A West Chester man was remanded to Bucks County prison Sunday on charges he stole an SUV and a dog.
Bristol Township police were called around 9 a.m. by the owner of Gordon Automotive. The owner said someone had broken into the business and stole a customer’s black 1998 Dodge Dakota, his daughter’s American bulldog and pet supplies.
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The owner of the auto shop suspected former employee Matthew Rodriguez, 23, in the crime and called the manager of the man’s recovery house, according to police. The manager of the house, according to court papers, told the shop owner that Rodriguez was asked to leave the house Saturday night and did.
The house manager further went on to say that Rodriguez said he would be back to pick up his belongings, police said.
Around 1:30 p.m., Rodriguez arrived back at the recovery house with a truck to retrieve his belongings. The truck was described as being a black Dodge Dakota, according to court papers.
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Police said they arrived to the recovery house on Island Road and observed car and dog on a leash.
“Your Affiant approached the subject, who identified himself as Matthew Rodriguez. He was asked if this was his vehicle, he responded, ‘No,’ and that the owner gave him permission. He first gave a different name and then said ‘Dave.’ He also stated that he drives customers cars all the time,” court papers read.
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The Dakota had a Delaware license plate that did not belong to it displayed and a Pennsylvania tag that belonged to the vehicle was found in the back, police said.
The owner of the shop found a jump box belonging to his business in the truck along with the dog and its supplies.
Rodriguez did not speak with police.
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Rodriguez was arraigned late Sunday on charges of theft, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and display card in improper vehicle. He was remanded to prison by District Judge Daniel Baranoski on 10 percent of $75,000 bail.
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.
