Man Arrested After Stealing Work Van in Downtown State College, Police Say

A Centre County man was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly stole a work van in downtown State College.

William T. W. Thomas, 36, of Philipsburg, was found driving the white Chevrolet 2500 van after it was taken from the 100 block of East Calder Way just before 11 a.m., State College police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause.

A contractor told police he was working inside a nearby building and when he went outside he saw his van being driven away toward South Allen Street. The vehicle was unlocked and had the keys inside, according to the affidavit.

After a “be on the lookout” was issued, state police troopers observed the van traveling south on Interstate 99 and initiated a traffic stop at the 17th Street exit near Altoona. Thomas, who was driving the vehicle, was taken into custody.

A review of security camera footage showed Thomas walking in the area where the van was stolen and wearing the same clothes he had on when he was arrested, police wrote.

Thomas is charged with felony counts of theft and receiving stolen property.

He was arraigned by District Judge Steven Lachman, who set bail at $40,000. Thomas is currently detained at the Centre County Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.