Police: Stolen Items, Drug Paraphernalia Found in Truck During Routine Traffic Stop

A routine traffic stop turned into an uncovering of nearly $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise when an expired inspection certificate led to the confession of two men who stole from two separate locations, according to police.

The thefts took place between April 20 and April 21 and occurred in Lower Southampton Township and Middletown Township, court documents say.

The stolen merchandise included tires, rims, and automotive batteries. All of the merchandise was openly visible in the bed of the pickup truck that Reukauf was driving, police said. Davis was the passenger, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The merchandise was so heavy and plentiful that the bed of the truck was weighed down, and the wheels almost touched the wheel wells, according to court documents.

The stolen tires and rims came from All Pro in Lower Southhampton and the batteries from Carver’s Liberty Gas Station in Middletown.

Upon making contact with the officer, Reukauf and Davis admitted to the thefts, according to court documents.

Upon closer inspection of the vehicle, tools used for the apparent thefts were discovered, including “a pry bar, bolt cutters, metal hammer, and wire cutters,” according to the probable cause affidavit.

Davis and Reukauf used the bolt cutters to enter the property and remove the rims and tires. This practice was caught on video, according to official documents.

In addition to the stolen merchandise, Officer Timothy Filoon discovered hypodermic needles, glassine bags, and blue paper wax that are commonly used to ingest heroine, according to court documents. Reukauf claimed full ownership of the drug paraphernalia.

Davis has been charged with receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking-movable property, receiving stolen property, conspiracy – theft by unlawful taking-movable property, and conspiracy – receiving stolen property. Reukauf has been charged with the same charges at Davis, along with the possession or use of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Both men were charged last week via mail summons.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.