Man arrested after 2 alleged thefts

Police: Incidents occurred within an hour of each other

COATESVILLE » Police arrested a man who allegedly stole from two city stores in about an hour.

Coatesville police responded to the Turkey Hill on Dec. 10 at 8:10 p.m. for a report of a retail theft. Police said they made contact with Anthony J. Salerno, 28, of Coatesville, who was outside by the gas bumps. During the course of their interaction, police said a novelty ice cream treat reportedly fell out of his pocket. Police said that during the investigation, they found that Salerno had allegedly stolen more than $50 worth of merchandise from Turkey Hill. Police added that Salerno allegedly failed to pay for $7.19 worth of gasoline. Police said when they took him into custody they found him in possession of a small amount of suspect marijuana and several pills.

Following the aforementioned incident, Coatesville police were then dispatched for a report of a theft that occurred at 7:25 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Family Dollar in the 400 block of East Lincoln Highway. Police reviewed security footage and said Salerno was observed reportedly removing security tags from clothing and allegedly stuffing the items in his pants. Police said when Salerno was arrested at the Turkey Hill that he was found in possession of a T-shirt, boxer shorts and a pair of slippers. The retail value of the stolen items from the Family Dollar was $34, according to the police report.

The following are from Coatesville police reports:

Warrant

Coatesville police said they arrested Justin Griest, 31, of Coatesville, for a warrant on Dec. 17. An officer said they observed Griest in the 600 block of Harmony Street at 2:20 p.m. and ran his information through NCIC which showed an active county bench warrant. The officer circled back and located Griest in the 600 block of Belmont Street and conducted a stop. Griest was taken into custody without incident and held for constables.

While investigating a report of a fight on Dec. 14 at about 10 p.m. a Coatesville officer observed a man who matched the description of one of the people involved in the fight in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Olive Street. Coatesville police said that man, identified as Luis Burgos, 25, of Coatesville, was also wanted for an active bench warrant. Burgos was taken into custody without incident. He was transported and held for arraignment.

Coatesville police conducted a traffic stop on Dec. 11 at 10:30 p.m. when they observed a driver traveling the wrong way for several blocks on East Chestnut Street. Police identified the driver as Steven Ray Custer, 20, of Modena. Police said he was found in possession of suspected crystal methamphetamine and was charged with possession with intent to deliver the drugs.

Motor vehicle theft

Coatesville police received a report on Dec. 13 at 7:12 p.m. that a motor vehicle was stolen from the 200 block of West Lincoln Highway. The vehicle is described as a gray 2010 Chrysler Sebring.