CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville man accused of taking items from two Clark Hill Road residences waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
David H. Duckett is accused of burglary (2), criminal attempt to commit burglary, criminal trespass (3), theft by unlawful taking, theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling at night, and public drunkeness.
According to court records, Lawrence Township police were called on Dec. 30, 2011 at 10:59 p.m. for a burglary in progress at a residence on Clark Hill Road. The alleged victim told police that while in his home, he heard his basement door close. He said he went to his basement and smelled cigarette smoke and alcohol. He also noticed the wind chime swinging near the basement door. He also noticed some of his tools near the door.
Police investigated the outside of the house and noticed that a shed was open. The owner was asked about it, and told police it was to be closed and padlocked. The padlock was found to be missing. Police and the owner entered, and the owner said nothing was missing. Police continued to search the perimeter. At one point, rustling was heard. Police ran to the edge of a wooded area and flashed a light. Police saw a man dressed in a gray colored shirt and blue jeans get up and run. County Control was advised of the man and police yelled for him to stop.
A foot chase ensued and the man continued to run further into the woods. After pursuing him for some time, police lost track of him. Clearfield Borough police were notified of his description and direction of travel. Two borough officers stationed near Martell Glass noticed a man matching the suspect’s description walking down Clark Hill Road near Haversack Lane. The man was ordered to his knees and taken to the ground. He was taken into custody and identified as David H. Duckett.
Duckett reportedly made spontaneous statements as to stealing binoculars and a BB gun from a vehicle. He was Mirandized, and admitted to entering a vehicle and taking a BB gun and binoculars. Binoculars and a box turkey call were found on him when he was taken into custody. He was also found to be under the influence of alcohol He was then taken to Clearfield County Jail.
Shortly thereafter, police received another call for a burglary in the Clark Hill Road area. The alleged victim said he missing items from his truck, including Carhart clothing, a black powder .50 caliber muzzle loader, a backpack with muzzle loader supplies and binoculars. Police noted that during the interview, Duckett revealed where he ditched the items. The owner was able to find the weapon and backpack. The clothing has not been found. Police spoke with this person again on Jan. 1 and learned that someone had attempted to enter another building.
Duckett is currently in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.