PATTON BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) — A Burnside Township man was taken into custody Monday following the theft of a vehicle in Cambria County and a subsequent pursuit that ended in Clearfield County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Police say Hayden David Hoyt, 26, of Burnside Township, Clearfield County, was charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses in connection with the incident. Felony charges include theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, persons not to possess a firearm, and fleeing or attempting to elude police. Additional misdemeanor charges include theft, receiving stolen property, cruelty to animals, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
Charges were filed through Magisterial District Court 47-3-05. Hoyt was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Susan Gindlesperger and remanded to the Cambria County Prison, according to the report.
According to state police, the incident began around 7:25 a.m. on January 12, when troopers from PSP Ebensburg were dispatched to Sheetz in Patton Borough, Cambria County for a reported vehicle theft. The victim told police her 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was left unlocked and running while she entered the store, and upon returning, the vehicle was gone.
Police say the vehicle contained the victim’s dog, a .25 caliber handgun, and cash at the time of the theft.
Surveillance video reviewed by troopers showed an unknown white male exiting the store with a coffee, approaching the unattended vehicle, and driving away. With assistance from GM OnStar, the vehicle was later located in Clearfield County.
The report indicates troopers encountered the vehicle near Pine Run Road and Blake Road in Chest Township, where an attempted traffic stop was initiated. Police say the driver fled, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, the stolen vehicle traveled in reverse on a snow- and ice-covered roadway, spun out, and made contact with a pursuing patrol unit.
Following the successful use of a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, troopers were able to stop the vehicle and take the suspect into custody without further incident, according to police.
During a search incident to arrest, police say Hoyt was found in possession of a 9mm handgun, suspected methamphetamine, and aluminum foil. Troopers also said Hoyt was prohibited from possessing firearms. An additional $252 in cash, believed to belong to the victim, was recovered.
The victim’s dog was found uninjured inside the vehicle and returned to her, along with the recovered firearm.
While continuing the investigation, police say Hoyt had also been in possession of a 2001 Chevrolet Tracker reported stolen on January 11 from Elder Township, Cambria County. That vehicle was also recovered.
State police were assisted by troopers from PSP Punxsutawney. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Police remind residents to secure vehicles and valuables, noting that crimes of opportunity frequently occur when vehicles are left unattended, even briefly.
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