Local

Suspect's birthday card helps police bust alleged theft ring

HEMPFIELD, Pa. — Authorities said a birthday card that was left behind in a stolen vehicle helped investigators bust an alleged theft ring.

Authorities said 21-year-old Tyler Lee Williams, of Hempfield, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the theft ring.

According to police, Williams and a teenage accomplice stole numerous electronics, guns, Christmas gifts and cash from a home on Rustic Drive in North Huntingdon on Dec. 19.

Investigators said Williams and his partner allegedly also stole two cars from the home, bringing the total value of the theft to more than $58,000.

"(The couple) stated they were at home sleeping in their upstairs bedroom. ... The male stated that he heard a noise in the house sometime between 2 and 4 a.m. but did not think anything about it," North Huntingdon police Detective William Henderson told Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

Police located one of the vehicles several hours later, and the other about two days later.

When they were returned to the victims, the couple told police they found a birthday card that wasn’t theirs.

“The envelope for the card was addressed to Tyler Williams, and the card was signed, 'Happy 21st Birthday, Greg,'” Henderson wrote in the affidavit.

"After we received that card, everything just clicked with the investigation," Henderson told TribLIVE.

The teenager is charged in juvenile court, police said.

Williams faces multiple charges, including burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, theft of a firearm, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal conspiracy.

According to police, charges are pending in other cases, as well.

Channel 11's Joe Holden reported Williams is accused of stealing personal items and a vehicle in Hempfield Township.

Williams remains in the Westmoreland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. He faces a preliminary hearing Jan. 21.

WPXI

Most Read