According to police, officers were dispatched around 8:20 a.m. on December 15, 2025, to the Tobacco Hut, located at 429B Nichols Street, after the business owner received an alert from the store’s security system indicating someone was breaking a rear window. The owner reported that a male had forced entry into the store, filled a bag with merchandise, and fled through the same window he entered. The suspect was described as wearing all black and carrying a purple bag.
Officers responding to the area located a male matching the description in the 400 block of East Railroad Street. Police say the suspect fled back toward Nichols Street, where officers encountered him in the parking lot of Fish and Beyond Pet Store at 420 Nichols Street. During the pursuit, the male dropped the purple bag before running back toward East Railroad Street.
The suspect then attempted to hide in the backyard of a residence in the 300 block of Front Street, where he was eventually apprehended by officers.
Following his arrest, police confirmed the suspect was a 17-year-old male known to officers from prior incidents and who had an active warrant through Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation for absconding. The suspect and the recovered bag were transported to Pottsville City Hall, where approximately $1,200 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.
An investigation, including a review of store security footage, revealed the suspect initially attempted to kick in a side door. When unsuccessful, police say he located a nearby pry bar and attempted to force the door open. After that attempt failed, the suspect used the pry bar to smash a side window, gaining entry into the store before stealing merchandise and fleeing on foot.
The juvenile was charged with Burglary (F2), Criminal Trespass (F2), Possessing Instruments of Crime (M1), Theft (M1), Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot (M2), and Criminal Mischief (M3). He was remanded to the custody of Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation pending further proceedings.
The suspect then attempted to hide in the backyard of a residence in the 300 block of Front Street, where he was eventually apprehended by officers.
Following his arrest, police confirmed the suspect was a 17-year-old male known to officers from prior incidents and who had an active warrant through Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation for absconding. The suspect and the recovered bag were transported to Pottsville City Hall, where approximately $1,200 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.
An investigation, including a review of store security footage, revealed the suspect initially attempted to kick in a side door. When unsuccessful, police say he located a nearby pry bar and attempted to force the door open. After that attempt failed, the suspect used the pry bar to smash a side window, gaining entry into the store before stealing merchandise and fleeing on foot.
The juvenile was charged with Burglary (F2), Criminal Trespass (F2), Possessing Instruments of Crime (M1), Theft (M1), Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot (M2), and Criminal Mischief (M3). He was remanded to the custody of Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation pending further proceedings.