Apr 3, 2013 2 min read

A Gastonville man was arrested by Monongahela police for allegedly burglarizing a Finleyville bar where he once worked after allegedly being caught in the act early Wednesday.

Joshua Vlcek, 23, of 23 McChain Road, Union Township, is accused of burglarizing Roy’s by the Tracks, 3710 Route 88, on several occasions in March and earlier this week.

The owner of the bar, Roy Anthrell, told police Vlcek had been breaking into the bar and stealing money. Anthrell told police Vlcek had been an employee.

Another employee, Ned Trbovich Jr., asked Anthrell if he could spend the night in the bar to see if anyone broke in after noticing a board had been removed and two locks undone on a basement door.

About 4:30 a.m., Trbovich heard someone enter the basement door and come up the stairs to the kitchen. He observed Vlcek walk to the microwave and remove a bag of money. He detained Vlcek and then called Anthrell and 911.

Vlcek told police he stole the money because he has a drug problem and that he was sorry. Anthrell told police Vlcek stole more than $1,000. Amounts ranging from $100 to $250 were stolen March 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29 and Monday and Tuesday for a total of $1,350.

Vlcek was arraigned before District Judge Mark Wilson on charges including eight counts each of burglary and criminal trespass, seven counts of theft and one count of attempted theft. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for April 12 before District Judge James Ellis.