A Schuylkill Haven man is facing felony charges after police say he stole a sport utility vehicle that had been left running outside a borough residence last year.
According to court documents, Tony Rombo Weiss, 39, of Auburn, was charged on June 12 by Schuylkill Haven Police with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, along with misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and summary offenses for abandoning a vehicle and driving without a license.
Police allege the incident occurred around 7:08 a.m. on February 18, 2025, when officers were dispatched to the 700 block of North Garfield Avenue in Schuylkill Haven for a report of a vehicle theft. According to an affidavit of probable cause, the victims told Schuylkill Haven Police that a silver 2019 Chevrolet Traverse had been warming up outside their home while the victim briefly went back inside with the key fob still in his possession. When he returned a short time later, the vehicle was gone.
While officers were responding, Schuylkill County Communications provided information from OnStar, which showed the vehicle had been parked off a roadway near Walnut Street and Agway and Second streets in Cressona. Pennsylvania State Police were requested to continue the investigation in their jurisdiction. Troopers located the unoccupied SUV and secured the scene.
According to the affidavit, surveillance footage from two businesses captured the vehicle traveling south on North Garfield Avenue, rolling through a stop sign at Center Avenue and making a right turn onto North Center Avenue. Investigators noted the footage showed the vehicle moving at a relatively high rate of speed.
Police said state police forensic personnel processed the vehicle and discovered fingerprints on the driver's side B-pillar, steering wheel and shift knob. DNA evidence was also collected from the SUV before it was released back to its owners.
Weiss has been charged with:
- Theft by unlawful taking, a third-degree felony;
- Receiving stolen property, a third-degree felony;
- Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a second-degree misdemeanor;
- Abandoning a vehicle on public or private property; and
- Driving without a license.
Court records show the charges were filed before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek, and the case is awaiting a preliminary hearing.