SHAMOKIN - A Shamokin fugitive who left a hospital in March, despite being in police custody at the time, is in custody again after he was caught by city police.
Shane Picarella, 22, with a last known address of 69 E. Independence St., Apt. A, was taken into custody by Shamokin City Police Thursday without incident. Patrolman Raymond Siko II said additional charges are pending.
Picarella, who was wanted at the time by Shamokin police on warrants for burglary, theft by unlawful taking and retail theft, was taken into custody March 14 after being spotted by Special Officer I Robert Searls at his last known address, which also formerly served as a laundromat. After Searls summoned police, he observed Picarella walk out of the apartment building and enter a nearby business in the 100 block of E. Independence St., where he was taken into custody.
Picarella was transported to the city police station, where he was detained in a cell to await incarceration at Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury on the warrants. While at the station, Picarella complained of a heart condition, prompting police to summon AREA Services Ambulance personnel.
After treating Picarella at the station, emergency medical personnel transported him to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he was undergoing medical treatment when he left the hospital. No guard was with Picarella at the time, because although he was in police custody, he was not under arrest.
"We were awaiting confirmation on the warrants, but the suspect suffered a medical emergency," Siko said, adding that the health and welfare of the person came first, which prompted them to contact emergency medical personnel.
Officers received credible information that Picarella was back at his East Independence Street residence, Siko said Friday. Officers searched the building and found Picarella hiding under a bed on the third floor.
Police called Shamokin's code enforcement officer Rick Bozza, and as a result, the building was condemned.
Siko said the investigation continues and charges of assisting and harboring a fugitive against other individuals will be filed in the near future.