Jun 29, 2015 2 min read

CHARLEROI – Following commands early Saturday, a police canine chased down and captured a suspect in a string of burglaries at a Charleroi pizzeria.

The dog named Rex pursued John N. Medved, 50, of Charleroi from behind Armando’s Pizza about 1 a.m. to the front of the business, where the animal bit the suspect and held him to the ground until an officer took him into custody, court records state.

A Charleroi Regional police officer was summoned to the rear of the business at 538 Fallowfield Ave. to investigate an attempted burglary. Police said a silver crowbar was found near Medved when he was apprehended.

Medved, of 713 Washington Ave., was charged Saturday with attempted burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, resisting arrest and loitering. He was sent to Washington County jail on a $75,000 bond set by District Judge Larry Hopkins.

Police Monday filed three additional criminal complaints against Medved charging him with burglaries at Armando’s that took place March 3 and June 7 and 17.

Surveillance cameras recorded the burglaries in which a man wearing black clothing and gloves pried open a rear door to steal beer and money from a poker machine, police stated in the affidavit.

Medved is accused of stealing at least $400 and more than four six packs of beer from the pizza shop. He also is accused of damaging a floor safe and cash register in the business.

He will receive the burglary and related charges in the three break-ins by summons.