DUBOIS – A man accused of breaking into a bar and stealing a gun waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Friday.
Joel Hart, 22 of Reynoldsville, is charged with burglary, criminal trespass and related charges.
According to court records, Hart allegedly entered Dario’s Bar on Nov. 23 through an exhaust vent. Further investigation outside revealed footprints in the frost leading to the vent hole.
An interview with the owner revealed that a .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver was missing, as well as 13 bottles of liquor and some beer chips. Officers also obtained the serial number for the missing handgun.
An informant tipped police off that Hart was the person who broke into the bar. The person told officers that Hart had given beer chips to a friend and had also tried to sell the friend the gun.
An interview with another person revealed that Hart had gone to his apartment on Nov. 24. Hart showed the person bottles of liquor he had stashed outside. The person said that Hart told him he got the bottles from Dario’s. Hart also allegedly showed him the handgun as well, and tried to sell it to him.
A controlled purchase of the handgun with was performed, and Hart was then taken into custody.
Hart is currently in Clearfield County Jail.
