Rastis Marcy

Butler police caught a suspected thief a short time after he allegedly broke into a pair of vehicles in the 300 block of South Washington Street.

Rastis O. Marcy, 38, of Center Township was nabbed Saturday night and later placed in the Butler County Prison.

One of the victims told police he spotted the suspect enter his car and then take off, headed south on Washington Street, according to documents. A witness backed up that account.

Officers searched the area and stopped Marcy, who matched the suspect’s description, walking on Liberty Street near Wayne Street. Police said he appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

When the officers told him to place his hands on the patrol car, he tried to get away but was stopped. A search found him with nearly $25 in change as well as the checkbook and receipts that were in the victim’s vehicle.

The victim told police that he also was missing his wallet that contained $200 and bank cards.

A woman approached police as the officers were placing Marcy in the cruiser. She told them that moments earlier she had seen the suspect enter a neighbor’s car. Nothing was reported missing from that vehicle.

Marcy, a two-time felon, was arraigned Sunday on two counts of theft from a vehicle and charges of receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and public drunkenness. He is in the county prison on $5,000 bail.

The defendant’s criminal record showed that in November he pleaded guilty to a previous charge of theft from a vehicle.

In that case, Marcy, on Sept. 27, swiped clothes that were in a car parked on North Main Street in Butler. He was ordered to pay $282 in fines, court costs and restitution.