Tim Tubridy

CRANBERRY TWP — Township police have arrested a township man as a suspect in the rash of car break-ins that have occurred in Cranberry and surrounding communities.

Police said, Timothy Ronald Tubridy, 36, led them on a chase into Beaver County that ended after he drove at more than 80 mph. He was stopped by New Sewickley Township police.

According to Cranberry police, late Sunday night they were called to Windsor Court for a report of a suspicious vehicle.

Residents watched as the driver of a white Chevrolet Impala, later identified as Tubridy, parked his car and began checking door handles on vehicles in driveways.

When Cranberry officers arrived, they tried to stop the vehicle, but it sped away with police pursuing into Beaver County. The chase was stopped for safety reasons.

As officers went to Tubridy’s home on Glen Rape Road, New Sewickley Township, police notified Cranberry officers that they pursued and stopped a white Impala on Brunner Road. He was then arrested by Cranberry officers.

Police said the suspect had the wallet and contents belonging to a resident of Windsor Court, who was unaware that his property was missing.

Police said a search of Tubridy’s home turned up two handguns, electronics and personal effects that were allegedly stolen from unlocked vehicles throughout the township.

During the search, Tubridy attempted to escape police custody, but was recaptured after a short foot chase.

There has been a recent rash of car break-ins in Cranberry. Police had received 18 reports of thefts from motor vehicles since June 17. In nearly every case, the car doors were unlocked.

Tubridy is charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, escape, fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless driving, driving without lights to avoid arrest and theft from a motor vehicle. More charges may be pending.

He was arraigned before District Judge Tim Schaffer in Slippery Rock on Monday and placed in the Butler County Prison on $50,000 bail.