A report of a suspicious individual looking into vehicles early Wednesday morning led to the arrest of a man in Pottsville.
According to Pottsville police, officers were dispatched around 1:59 a.m. on March 18, 2026, to the 700 block of West Norwegian Street for a report of a male wearing a hoodie and backpack who was allegedly checking vehicles in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located and made contact with the individual, identified as Shawn Cicero Jr. Police said Cicero did not have a legitimate reason for being in the area and told officers he was “waiting to be picked up.” Due to the late hour, the densely populated neighborhood, and concerns raised by a nearby resident, Cicero was taken into custody.
Authorities noted that Cicero, who is known to be homeless, had multiple recent interactions with businesses and facilities in Pottsville over the previous 48 hours. Police said he had been arrested, trespassed, or removed from several locations, including Family Dollar, the Ramada Inn, 7-Eleven, and Lehigh Valley Health Network Schuylkill – East. Earlier on March 18, Cicero was reportedly trespassed from 7-Eleven and later removed from LVHN Schuylkill – East after being found bathing in a restroom.
Police also spoke with the original caller, a resident in the 600 block of West Norwegian Street, who reported observing Cicero looking into vehicles near where her own vehicle was parked. The resident told officers she was alarmed by the behavior, particularly due to recent vehicle break-ins in the area.
Cicero was charged with one count of loitering and prowling at nighttime and one count of persistent disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
He was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge Christian Lengel, who set bail at $10,000 straight cash. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Cicero was transported to Schuylkill County Prison and committed in lieu of bail without further incident.