2 young boys found safe in Pa. after Ohio Amber Alert

Two boys who police say were driven away from outside an Ohio gas station Thursday were found safe more than 100 miles away in Washington County after a motorist alerted police that they saw a vehicle matching the description in an Amber Alert.

Pennsylvania State Police said the Amber Alert for a gold Chevrolet Suburban was issued from Zanesville, Ohio, about 5: 15 p. m.

Nearby businesses’ surveillance video showed the SUV was heading east, WCHM- TV reported, after a man drove away in the unlocked vehicle with a toddler and infant inside.

Pennsylvania State Police said someone traveling near Washington, Pa., saw a vehicle matching the description in the Amber Alert near Jefferson Avenue and alerted police.

City of Washington police stopped the vehicle, and the driver, 56- year- old Thomas Edward Pritchard Jr. of Zanesville, was taken into custody.

“Some of the officers were familiar with the guy and knew who he was,” Zanesville Sgt. Phil Michel told WCHM.

The woman watching over the children told WCHM she went into a nearby dance studio for less than 10 minutes, and she called police when she came outside and realized the children were gone.

Mr. Pritchard is charged with receiving stolen property, endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment and driving under the influence.

District Judge Phillippe Melograne cited Mr. Pritchard as a flight risk, and he was being held in Washington County Prison without bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 5. No attorney was listed for Mr. Pritchard.