SAXONBURG — A Buffalo Township supervisor candidate is free to resume his campaign following a three-day stint in jail.

However, Michael J. Oehling Jr. did not address his plans for the May 19 primary during or after a court appearance Wednesday at the office of District Judge Sue Haggerty.

Buffalo Township police arrested Oehling, 23, early Sunday morning after a series of suspected crimes that began when he allegedly stole an opponent’s campaign signs.

When it was over, he was in the Butler County Prison on charges of assaulting a police officer, fleeing police, drunken driving and theft.

Oehling is running for one of two Republican nominations for a six-year term for township supervisor in the primary. He is challenging incumbents John Haven and Gary Risch Sr.

Oehling was still wearing his prison-issued red jump suit when he appeared at Haggerty’s office in handcuffs.

He was there for his preliminary hearing. Instead, he gave up his right to the hearing after his attorney reached a deal with a county prosecutor that would get him out of prison.

In exchange for waiving the hearing, Oehling’s $5,000 bail was reduced to an unsecured bond, meaning he did not have to post any money to get out.

However, before his release, Haggerty placed Oehling on pretrial supervision with the condition that he undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

“He is willing and ready to seek treatment,” public defender Ryan Helsel, Oehling’s attorney, told the judge.

Haggerty warned Oehling that if he violates his conditional release, he would find himself back behind bars.

While Oehling politely addressed Haggerty, his mother sat in back of the courtroom, at times crying.

Oehling’s mild-mannered and courteous demeanor was in contrast to the alleged behavior that landed him in court.

Police said a patrol officer about 2 a.m. Sunday saw Oehling’s vehicle go by on Route 356 near the park-and-ride lot.

Another man, later identified as 25-year-old Timothy L. Livengood of Buffalo Township, was riding outside on top of the hatchback door, according to court documents.

Police noted that both of Livengood’s arms were outstretched and hanging on the sides of the door.

Patrolman Daniel Ambrose gave chase but Oehling would not pull over. He stopped only after pulling into the driveway of his High Point Drive home, where he lives with his mother.

Ambrose eventually arrested Oehling but not before he struggled with and kicked the officer, documents said.

A search of Oehling’s car, police said, turned up three Risch campaign signs that Oehling and Livengood allegedly stole earlier.

Oehling’s case is pending in county court. His criminal charges include aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and theft.

Police on Wednesday charged Livengood with misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief.

Oehling did not return a recent telephone call seeking comment.