GREENSBURG, Pa. — The man accused of stealing an 87-year-old veteran’s car from a local store last September with his beloved dog inside pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to 14 months to 10 years behind bars.
Kenneth Crider’s guilty plea was a surprise to Willard Martz and his family, nearly 11 months after Crider stole Martz’ car from the Tractor Supply Company parking lot in Mount Pleasant.
Channel 11’s Andrew Havranek was the only reporter at the courthouse when Crider was being escorted back to jail.
“Kenneth, where’s Lucky?” Havranek asked. “What did you do to Lucky? Did you do anything to the dog?” Havranek asked. Crider did not respond.
Havranek also spoke exclusively with Martz and his daughter after the plea, which surprised them both.
“We thought it was going to be a pre-trial conference hearing,” said Linda Folino, Martz’s daughter.
“I’m somewhat relieved but still concerned,” Martz said.
Last September, Martz said Crider came up behind him as he was walking into Tractor Supply, took his keys from his pocket, and drove off with his car. His beloved dog, Lucky, was inside.
“He was my best pal,” Martz said.
Crider was arrested in North Carolina nearly a week later. Police there noticed a suspicious car, with Crider behind the wheel. Police said he led them on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour before using a pit maneuver to get Crider to stop.
Now, the question remains — what happened to Lucky?
“Oh, I wish we would know what happened with Lucky, but even without knowing that, at least he was sentenced, and we have some closure for dad for this,” Folino said.
“I know he’s going to serve time. But, I worry about the dog,” Martz said. “He might be out running wild. He might be dead, he might be a stray somewhere. I want him to have a life, as I know he likes, rather loves people.”
Since Lucky was stolen, thousands of people on Facebook have been doing anything and everything they can to try and find him. The family said they’re beyond grateful for all of that help.
“He had over 14,000 people on Facebook with him,” Martz said. “That proves that people care.”
If you have any information on where Lucky may be, you can contact the “Bring Lucky Home to PA” Facebook page or call the police.
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