Kenneth W. Crider, a 44-year-old Maryland man, was extradited to Pennsylvania to face numerous charges after being accused of carjacking an 87-year-old veteran and stealing his dog, named Lucky, in Westmoreland County. Crider, who has been involved in a series of crimes, including theft and high-speed chases, was flown from a North Carolina jail to Pennsylvania yesterday, as confirmed by TribLIVE.
According to WTAE, the extradition occurred more than six months following Crider's arrest in North Carolina after a high-speed pursuit exceeding 130 miles per hour. State Trooper Steve Limani underscored the protracted process of bringing Crider back, noting the complex inter-county charges as a factor, "Almost every single time, we just charge in the county that it originated," Limani explained. "Down there, that's not exactly what they did. They have multiple areas where charges were pressed. So they had to bounce him from one county to the next because of how long his flight was, where he was fleeing from the law enforcement over 40 miles.”
Crider stands accused of robbing Willard Martz, the 87-year-old veteran, at an East Huntingdon shopping plaza back in September. According to TribLIVE, Martz left a window open for Lucky, his 10-year-old Airedale terrier, when Crider allegedly took the keys from Martz's pocket and made off with the vehicle. The pursuit of Crider that culminated in North Carolina ended with the vehicle recovered but the canine companion missing.
In the wake of Lucky's disappearance, a robust social media campaign emerged with a Facebook group titled "Bring Lucky HOME to PA" gaining over 14,000 followers. Various efforts, including billboards, were employed to aid in locating the lost dog. “He could’ve made the decision to let that dog go or he could’ve dropped the dog off almost anywhere where there’s some type of people," Limani stated, per TribLIVE. While Lucky's current whereabouts are unknown, a $2,500 reward has been offered for his return, per WTAE's information.
Crider, who did not make a statement to reporters when he was escorted into the state police station, has been ordered held on $100,000 bail at the Westmoreland County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 16, and he does not have an attorney listed in online court records.
