Cars left running stolen; three area men charged in connection with thefts

Three area men were apprehended Tuesday night after stealing two cars in State College, according to the State College Police Department.

One car, which had been left running, was stolen at 6:30 p.m. from outside Pizza Outlet, 110 E. Beaver Ave.

The second, also left running, was stolen at 8:45 p.m. from Hollywood Video, 724 S. Atherton St.

Joshua Bloom, 19, Scott Martin, 24, and Samuel Stacey, 25, were caught after police saw the men driving one of the stolen cars on Route 45 in Boalsburg.

Martin, who was driving the vehicle, pulled into a parking lot on Rolling Ridge Drive where police stopped the car.

Stacey, a passenger, ran from the stolen car and was apprehended after a short foot chase.

Martin and Bloom were taken into custody without incident.

Martin now faces the felony charge of auto theft, as well as charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving under the influence.

Stacey was charged with auto theft and escape.

After police searched Stacey, they found the keys to the other stolen car in his pocket. That car was recovered in State College later that night.

Bloom was turned over to the Centre County Sheriff's Office.

All three men were arraigned before District Justice Daniel Hoffman and placed in Centre County Prison.

They will have a preliminary hearing next week.

Sgt. John Wilson of the State College police said although this type of automobile theft is uncommon, all car thefts are crimes of opportunity.

Wilson said leaving an unattended car running not only attracts thieves, but it also could be dangerous if the car slips out of gear and starts moving.

"It is a practice I would strongly discourage," Wilson said.

-- by Rachel Hanson