Police receive tip, arrest man in relation to string of burglaries in St. Clair

State police arrested a man they believe was involved in a string of burglaries in St. Clair, three weeks after surveillance images of the suspect released to the public prompted a tip identifying him.

Tyler Thomas Custer, 30, of St. Clair was arraigned Wednesday evening on charges of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and related offenses. He was being held at the Westmoreland County jail after failing to post $250,000 bail.

Troopers believe Custer is responsible for four burglaries between May 17 and June 8, according to court papers. The break-ins happened at Stiles Hardware, Stiles Koolit Korner Ice Cream and the St. Vincent de Paul store on Route 56 and Holy Family Church on Bridge Street.

Police said cash was taken from the businesses and merchandise and copper wire from the hardware store. From the church, a gold chalice, keys and audio equipment was reported missing.

Investigators said they got a tip pointing to Custer as the suspect after surveillance images from the hardware store were posted on social media.

A person matching the same description broke into the Dollar General on Route 56 in Seward on Wednesday. Damage to the building and merchandise stolen totaled more than $8,500, according to court papers.

Police said they recovered some of the stolen items from Custer’s home and a backpack they believe belonged to him. He admitted to his involvement in the break-ins and told troopers he melted down the stolen chalice from the church and sold the remains on eBay, according to court papers.

Custer did not have an attorney listed in online court records. A July 11 preliminary hearing is set.