Leechburg Man Shoplifts While Waiting for Doctor’s Appointment
A Leechburg man was transported for a medical appointment to Kittanning, shoplifts at the area Family Dollar, is arrested, then returns home via medical transportation.
A Leechburg man was apprehended by Kittanning Borough Police at 1:30 PM yesterday after he stole a computer flashdrive from Family Dollar in Kittanning.
Store employees described the man as a light-skinned black male who fled on foot down South Jefferson Street after the heist. After a search of the area, police found 44-year-old Ramon Santiago standing in front of the Suboxone clinic on South Jefferson Street waiting to see the doctor.
Santiago had medical transportation by Aire-Ride from Leechburg to the clinic for his appointment when he went to the Family Dollar and allegedly stole the item valued at $10. He was confronted by police and taken into custody without incident. Police took Santiago back to the store, where employees positively identified him.
Santiago, originally from New Jersey, was staying with family members in Leechburg.
Suboxone is a narcotic drug that is used to treat opiate addiction. Exact number of patients treated each week at the South Jefferson Street facility was not available.
Kittanning Borough Police Chief Bruce Mathews said there is a misconception that drug users are younger individuals, which is not the case.
“We are seeing a lot more middle-aged and older adults,” Mathews said. “With the heroin and the drug problem, you think (they are) kids - young adults in their 20s. That is not necessarily the case, especially with the heroin. We are seeing a lot more middle-aged older people that are involved. It goes hand in hand with starting out with legal prescription drugs - pain killers - and seeing them ‘graduate’. I really believe there is a connection there based on what we are seeing.”
Because shoplifting is a summary offense crime, Santiago was released and charges will be formally filed today with District Magisterial Judge James Owen.
Santiago returned to the clinic to be transported back to Leechburg.
Local News | KP NewsDesk July 15, 2015
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