Ryan Dean Achey, 31, of New Ringgold, was arrested on the evening of Thursday, July 24, 2025, following a traffic stop initiated by a Saint Clair Borough police officer.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Officer Wiest observed a black motorcycle turning from Second Street onto Russell Street with its license plate mounted vertically, making it unreadable. The rider, later identified as Achey, reportedly glanced at the officer’s patrol vehicle before quickly accelerating.
The officer followed the motorcycle and noted that the rider failed to stop at a red light at Route 61 and merged onto the highway without signaling. The motorcycle accelerated rapidly before stopping at another red light at Hancock Street, where the officer was able to observe the license plate number.
A check of the registration revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen by the Reading Police Department. Officer Wiest then conducted a traffic stop and identified the rider as Ryan Achey using his name and date of birth.
Achey was detained and informed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen. Police say Achey was unable to provide any registration, proof of insurance, or a valid driver’s license. He admitted that he did not possess a motorcycle license and that his driving privileges were suspended.
Achey allegedly told police that a friend named “Galano” had dropped off the motorcycle two months prior for him to repair, but he could not provide a full name or contact information. When asked how to start the motorcycle, Achey reportedly instructed police and a tow company to touch exposed wires together—confirming suspicions that the vehicle had been hotwired.
The motorcycle was seized and towed from the scene. Police later confirmed that the vehicle’s VIN matched the registration and that it remained listed as stolen.
Following the arrest, Officer Wiest obtained Achey’s certified driving history, which showed prior police contacts for driving while suspended and without a license. Additionally, PENNDOT confirmed Achey did not have the proper motorcycle endorsement.
Achey was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko on July 24, 2025. He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post 10% of his $10,000 bail. He was released on July 28, 2025, after a private surety posted $1,000 in cash on his behalf.
Achey is facing the following charges:
- Felony 3: Theft by Unlawful Taking – Movable Property
- Felony 3: Receiving Stolen Property
- Misdemeanor 2: Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
- Summary Offenses: Failure to Stop at Red Signal, Improper Turn Signal, Driving While Suspended, Driving Without a License, and Improper Display of Registration Plate