PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — A Mayport man has been arrested for the theft of a tractor owned by Kahle’s Equipment. According to a criminal complaint, on July 9, 2014, an investigation was conducted by Trooper Joshua Thorpe into the theft of an orange Kubota M70 tractor with a front end loader and bucket attachment from the property of Kahle’s Equipment on State Route 338, in Beaver Township, Clarion County.
The theft occurred sometime between 8:00 p.m. on July 8 and 8:00 a.m. on July 9.
The Knox business provided Trooper Thorpe the paperwork for the tractor which indicated that the serial number on the equipment was 52012. The tractor and attachment are valued at $44,000.00.
During the investigation, it was determined that the actor loaded the tractor onto a utility trailer and fled the scene.
Court documents indicate on July 14, 2014, a tractor was located near WalMart parking lot in Punxsutawney that was consistent with the stolen piece of equipment. During an investigation and interviews by PSP Punxsutawney, it was determined that the tractor was allegedly brought on a trailer to that location by the actor, 28-year-old Charles D. Powell of Mayport.
While PSP Punxsutawney personnel were on the scene, Powell drove to the area where the tractor was located with his trailer in an alleged attempt to load the tractor onto the trailer. PSP Patrol units from Punxsutawney observed Powell allegedly approach the scene and start to speed away upon seeing patrol units by the tractor. He was recognized by patrol members and a traffic stop was conducted.
Powell was transported to PSP Punxsutawney where he was read and advised his Miranda warnings, which he understood.
During questioning of Powell, he allegedly admitted to taking the tractor from the location of Kahle’s Equipment on SR 338 in Knox.
Based on Powell’s alleged confession, he was placed under arrest.
He waived extradition to Clarion County for an arraignment.
A check of the serial number on the seized Kubota tractor was made and verified as the equipment stolen from the victim.
Powell has been charged with the following offenses:
– Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Felony 3
– Receiving Stolen Property, Felony 3
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 22 in front of Magisterial District Judge Amy Long Turk.
