Pittsburgh Man to Stand Trial in Franklin Park Burglaries

A Pittsburgh man, suspected in a string of break-ins last year, will stand trial for burglaries committed in Franklin Park. 

Garrett Lucas, 24, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Robert Ford.  

Lucas faces three counts each of burglary and theft, and two counts of receiving stolen property stemming from burglaries in November and December at homes in Franklin Park, according to court documents.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Franklin Park police, Lucas conspired to steal three laptops and a computer bag with laptop parts worth $5,000;  a night stand drawer of items including passports, credit cards and medicine worth $2,000; three televisions and two laptops worth $5,500; and a jewelry box containing a large quantity of jewelry worth $15,000. The items were taken from homes on Wexford Bayne Road, McDevitt Road, McAleer Road and Brandt School Road.

Police said Lucas admitted to driving co-defendant Brian Flesher to various homes to burglarize then sold or pawned the valuables for cash. Flesher told police he kicked in doors—sometimes using Lucas as a lookout. Lucas told police he was not present for the jewelry theft, but profited from the theft with Flesher, police said. 

Lucas was held for trial in January on one count each of burglary and conspiracy in a McCandless case. Both men remain in the Allegheny County Jail, unable to post bond.

The following people were also charged and scheduled for preliminary hearings Feb. 19 in Leetsdale District Court:

Waived

• Michael J. Wargula, 34, of Aliquippa, charged with illegal use of solvents or noxious substances. Sewickley police were called Jan. 13 to the corner of Locust and Beaver Street for a report of a man who appeared to be huffing a can of aerosol. Police said Wargula admitted to huffing and having an addiction.

• Jason Russell, 35, of New Brighton, charged with two counts of theft, receiving stolen property, and one count of providing false reports to law enforcement and criminal trespass.  Franklin Park police said Russell stole numerous construction tools in October and November from his employer, Antenucci Flooring and he took items from a Franklin Park job site that he then pawned.

• Christopher M. Dickson, 39, of Sharon, PA charged with two counts of driving under the influence. State police stopped Dickson July 4 on Interstate 79 in Franklin Park after his vehicle was seen holding up traffic in the left lane, despite there being no vehicles in the right lane to prevent him from getting over.  Dickson had a warrant out of Mercer County and was taken into custody. Police said he also tested positive for opiates and cocaine.

Held for Court

• Terrance Christian, 49, of Pittsburgh, charged with possession of heroin, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Sewickley police stopped Christian’s vehicle Aug. 29 for having a faulty exhaust system. During a search, police said officers located 10 bags of heroin.

--

Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter

Check out some of today's other top stories here.