Shoplifting call ends in a felony drug arrest
BUTLER TWP — A companion's apparent sweet tooth proved sour for a Philadelphia man.
The unexpected turn of events Wednesday landed 24-year-old Elijah J. Lane in the Butler County Prison on felony drug charges following a shoplifting call at the Sheetz on New Castle Road.
Butler Township police said they were called to the store about 2:45 p.m. after an employee reportedly saw another man pocket a Butterfinger candy bar.
The employee remembered the same suspected shoplifter, later identified as Steven Dunmire, 25, of Butler, from a similar incident Dec. 29.
Police believe Dunmire and Lane had driven to the store Wednesday for something to eat.
At the Sheetz, according to court documents, Lane denied he had stolen anything and became “argumentative” with officers while seated in the dining area.
Eventually the officers learned that Lane was wanted on a bench warrant out of Delaware County. He was arrested and searched.
Police said they found him with a small baggie containing suspected marijuana. He also was carrying $254 in currency.
Read what happened when officers reviewed the surveillance footage in Sunday's Butler Eagle.
