Police identify suspect in connection with East Huntingdon carjacking, missing dog

A Maryland man accused in an East Huntingdon car jacking this week — and Lucky, the dog that was inside the vehicle — could be anywhere.

But there was a glimmer of hope in surveillance video from a Walmart store just outside Connellsville, said state Trooper Steve Limani. Kenneth Wilson Crider, 43, who police said stole the Ford Focus from an 87-year-old man, let Lucky, a 10-year-old Airedale terrier, out of the car to go to the bathroom in the store parking lot, he said.

“I feel like it’s a small humanitarian act to let the dog out of the vehicle, so hopefully that shows that he didn’t want to hurt the dog,” Limani said.

Troopers have concerns about something Crider bought inside the Dunbar store, though — a set of hair clippers. Surveillance photos released by investigators Wednesday showed the suspect with hair down to his neck.

“Our guess is that he’s probably altered his hair, it’s probably not as long as you see in the photographs we’ve released,” Limani said.

State police are pleading with the public for help finding Crider, Lucky and the stolen Ford Focus. Crider was charged Wednesday with robbery, theft and receiving stolen property in connection with the Monday incident.

Linda Folino, whose father is Lucky’s owner, learned about the charges Wednesday afternoon.

“This is giving us hope,” she said. “Right now, I just want my dad’s dog back.”

Troopers believe Crider stole a vehicle in Maryland Sunday and led police on a chase onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Limani said he ditched that stolen vehicle and authorities believe Crider likely moved on foot overnight to the Tractor Supply parking lot in East Huntingdon where he set his eyes on Willard Martz.

“He had to be very observant of our victim and his actions,” Limani said.

Martz parked outside the East Huntingdon Tractor Supply about 8:45 a.m. Monday, leaving a window open for Lucky, and headed into the store. Police said Crider came up behind Martz and grabbed the car keys out of his pocket, taking off with the car and Lucky inside.

“I feel like Lucky just ends up being caught up in the wash, which is horrible,” Limani said.

Martz, of Donegal Township, was not hurt. Crider and the stolen vehicle showed up on surveillance video at the Dunbar Walmart around 10 a.m.

Limani cautioned residents to keep an eye on their license plates, because police have concerns he might switch out the plate on the stolen Ford Focus.

“When you’re out there and you’re driving around, pay attention,” he said. “He’s out there, it’s just a matter of us finding him.”

The family has been devastated by Lucky’s disappearance. They have posted the dog’s picture on Facebook in hopes that he will be found. A reward is being offered.

“They deserve to have their animal back,” Limani said. “They don’t deserve to have any of these things happen to them at all, but definitely to have their pet.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lucky, Crider or the stolen Ford Focus is asked to contact state police at 724-832-3288 or 911. The license plate on the Ford Focus is KVR-6440.