FRACKVILLE — A Mahanoy Plane man is wanted by Frackville police after allegedly stealing an electric bicycle from a borough porch and running from an officer who attempted to arrest him.
Joshua Michael Longenberger, 32, faces a first-degree misdemeanor charge of theft by unlawful taking and a second-degree misdemeanor charge of evading arrest or detention on foot.
Police Investigate E-Bike Theft on North Lehigh Avenue
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Frackville Police Officer Noah Marx, the investigation began on , when Marx was dispatched at approximately 8:19 p.m. to a home in the unit block of North Lehigh Avenue for a reported stolen e-bike.
The owner told police the bicycle had been taken around 7 p.m. and that a porch camera recorded a man approaching the porch, picking up the bicycle and walking away.
Marx wrote that the footage showed a man wearing green sneakers, black sweatpants, a gray zip-up jacket and a tan backpack.
Officer Reports Encounter and Foot Pursuit
While searching the surrounding area, Marx encountered a man near North Balliet and West Spring streets whose clothing matched the person shown in the video. The man identified himself as Longenberger, according to the affidavit.
Police said Longenberger denied taking the bicycle and told Marx he had just been at Family Dollar and was heading to Anthony’s for pizza.
Marx then showed Longenberger the surveillance footage. According to the affidavit, Longenberger denied being the person in the recording, although Marx said he was wearing the same outfit.
When Marx attempted to place him under arrest, Longenberger allegedly ran north on North Balliet Street. Marx pursued him on foot but ended the chase shortly afterward, according to the affidavit.
Marx requested an arrest warrant on the theft and evading arrest charges. Police reported that Longenberger remained wanted.
The charges are allegations, and Longenberger is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.