Tyler Stewart

A teenager is behind bars on six-figure bond after he and two other students allegedly escaped from the Summit Academy reform school in Summit Township and stole a vehicle, authorities said.

Tyler M. Stewart, 18, of Carnegie, Allegheny County, is accused of stealing a cargo utility van Friday night and driving to Mercer County.

District Judge Kevin O'Donnell arraigned the teen Sunday on felony charges of theft, receiving stolen property and escape. He is in the Butler County Prison on $100,000 bond.

State police said they were notified shortly before 10 p.m. Friday that Stewart and two other teens had escaped from the school on Herman Road. A search by police and school staff was conducted but to no avail.

One of the other students returned to Summit Academy on his own about 3 p.m. Saturday, police said. He told authorities that Stewart had stolen the van and the three escapees had driven to Greensville.

Police noted that Stewart had been placed at Summit Academy on Dec. 20 by court order out of Allegheny County.

It was not immediately clear if the third student was found or if he is still missing. It also was unknown if the other escapees would be charged.

Dick Roberts, spokesman for Summit Academy, by text message Sunday confirmed the escape at the facility but he had no other information.