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WalMart theft suspect caught after short chase

Tamaqua and Rush Township police cruisers could be seen converged in between two homes in Tamaqua Saturday evening.

Around 5 p.m., police officers from Rush Township and Tamaqua were alerted after an anonymous customer witnessed a white male stealing a DVD and possibly other items from the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Hometown.The suspect fled in a Black Dodge Avenger.Tamaqua Police Officer Matt Houser spotted the vehicle at the 100 block of Pine St., SR309 north, and intercepted. Other officers, including Rush Township, responded.After a brief interview, the driver of the car, Joseph Holland, 30, Pottsville, was taken into custody.Other items were also found in the car and were confiscated, awaiting test results.In March of 2011, Holland, previously of MaryD, was one of the four persons charged with felony manufacture of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of liquified ammonia gas, criminal conspiracy to possess red phosphorous and criminal conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance.Rush Township Police are investigating and state that Holland will be charged with retail theft.

ANDREW LEIBENGUTH/TIMES NEWS Tamaqua and Rush Township police cruisers could be seen converged Saturday evening between two Pine Street homes in Tamaqua, where police searched a vehicle involved in a retail theft at WalMart.