CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week for the week of Nov. 2 has been identified as Austin Patterson, 20, of Fourth Street, Clearfield. Patterson is wanted for failure to appear at a preliminary hearing that was held Oct. 28.
On Sept. 24 Patrolman Elliott Neeper of the Lawrence Township Police Department filed a criminal complaint against Patterson. He charged Patterson with burglary, F2; criminal trespass, F2; theft by unlawful taking, F3; receiving stolen property, F3; and criminal mischief, M3.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Sept. 16 Neeper received a report about suspicious items, which were abandoned outside of a local business. Upon arrival Neeper allegedly observed various electronics and DJ equipment located outside of the business along with a two-wheeled hand cart.
Officers traveled to a local storage unit facility, where they allegedly observed that the padlock for one of the units had been removed from it. Officers then contacted the property manager who was able to retrieve the surveillance video.
Officers allegedly observed two males enter the property and go directly to the storage unit. The two males were allegedly observed cutting the padlock of the storage unit and then removing the various items.
The suspects transferred the items to a vehicle but left behind the two-wheeled hand cart and a pair of recently-purchased bolt cutters. Officers were then able to obtain surveillance video of three males recently purchasing the bolt cutters from a local business.
According to the affidavit, one of the individuals was identified as Patterson. As a result, officers were able to further identify the suspect vehicle as belonging to Patterson. When later confronted by officers, Patterson allegedly admitted to involvement in the burglary.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Oct. 28, at which time Patterson failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Patterson is described as a Caucasian male who stands 6 feet tall. He has blonde hair and green eyes.
Anyone with knowledge of Patterson’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”