According to the Pottsville Bureau of Police, nn Friday August 5, 2016 department was informed that a green 1997 Jeep Wrangler had been stolen from Purcell’s Service Station, 700 Nichols St, Pottsville sometime between 7:00PM 8/3/16 and 3:30AM hrs. 8/4/16, and later recovered at the Wolf Creek reservoir, St. Clair, at approximately 1:00PM on 8/4/16.
Subsequent investigation by Pottsville Police revealed the stolen vehicle had been painted with a different color and that multiple items that had been purchased from Wal-Mart store in St. Clair had been left inside the vehicle.
With the assistance of Loss Prevention officers from Walmart police investigators were able to obtain footage of an individual on 08/04/16 at approximately 4:15AM parking the stolen vehicle on the lot, entering the store, and eventually stealing items from the store, including those recovered by police from inside the stolen vehicle.
During the weekend of 8/6-8/7 investigators were also made aware of several social media items suggesting the identity of the actor. Officers also obtained witness statements and additional evidence indicating Mathew Sleva, 28, of St. Clair was responsible for the theft and eventual abandonment of the stolen vehicle.
A criminal complaint was prepared charging Sleva with Felony theft of an automobile and Felony Receiving Stolen Property.
An arrest warrant was obtained and anyone with information as to the current location of Sleva is asked to call Pottsville Bureau of Police Detective Kirk Becker at 570-622-1234 Ext 332.