A Shenandoah man is facing a misdemeanor charge after state police allege he took his roommate’s vehicle without permission and refused to return it.
Carmelo Alvarez Torres, 65, is charged with unauthorized use of automobiles and other vehicles, a second-degree misdemeanor.
Vehicle Reported Taken in Ashland
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville responded to a home on Market Street in Ashland around .
The woman who lived at the home told police that Alvarez Torres, her roommate, took her white 2009 Subaru Impreza after she denied him permission to use it.
Police said the woman’s son subsequently contacted Alvarez Torres through Facebook Messenger. Alvarez Torres allegedly declined to return the vehicle after being told that police had been contacted.
Vehicle Encountered During Traffic Stop
The following day, state police spoke with Shenandoah Borough Police Officer Christian Vasquez, who reported encountering the vehicle during a traffic stop. Vasquez told investigators that Alvarez Torres had been operating the vehicle before the stop.
The vehicle had not been returned as of , according to the affidavit.
Preliminary Hearing Scheduled
Court records show the criminal complaint was filed . A summons and fingerprint orders were issued .
Alvarez Torres is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. The case remains active and is awaiting the hearing.
The charge is an allegation, and Alvarez Torres is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.