Jun 28, 2013 2 min read

Canonsburg police are looking for a man who broke into a used car dealership, stole car keys and then drove off in one of the cars being offered for sale in the lot before leading officers on a chase through the borough’s East End.

Police received an alarm call to Valley Used Cars, 503 First St., about 2:35 a.m. As Officer James Eckels approached, he saw a white car pull from the rear lot. When the white, 2003 Mercury Marquis passed his cruiser, Eckels noticed there was no license plate on the car.

Eckels turned around, activated the emergency lights and siren, and started to pursue the car. Sgt. Don Cross, who also was responding to the alarm, also joined in the chase. The car fled at a high speed, turning onto several streets in the East End.

In the 500 block of Giffin Avenue, the car struck four parked cars. Eckels could see sparks coming from the undercarriage of the stolen car. Cross said the front passenger wheel was snapped off after hitting one of the parked cars.

The vehicle started to slow and the driver got out and started running through yards. Eckels pursued him before losing him in the darkness.

Police also believe the burglar tried to break into the Seven Hills convenience store on Euclid Avenue. Cross said it appears the burglar tried to use a rock to break a window in three locations.

The owner of John’s Automotive, Euclid Avenue, also discovered his business had been burglarized over night when he came in Friday morning. The burglar entered by breaking out a window. No other details were immediately available.

The suspect took several sets of keys to vehicles from the dealership, dropping one set in the parking lot, Cross added.

The burglar is described as white, 6-feet tall, weighing about 180 pounds and a thin build. His head was close-shaven, police said.

Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call 724-745-8020, ext. 39.