A Lansford man who tried to steal batteries from a dollar store, then ran off leaving his 10-year-old son behind, faces charges.

Marc T. Muffley, 34, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for 1:15 p.m. July 12 before District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.Lansford Officer Derek E. Marouchoc filed misdemeanor charges of retail theft and endangering the welfare of a child against Muffley on April 24.According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Marouchoc, Muffley tried to steal four packs of batteries worth $21.94 from the Family Dollar store at about 6:30 p.m. that day.But he triggered the store's security alarm when he tried to leave with the merchandise.The clerk called police after Muffley handed back the batteries and fled into the woods behind the store, leaving his son in the store and his car in the parking lot.Police found Muffley on Leisenring Street and taken into custody by Summit Hill officer Brian Horos.Horos transferred him to Lansford officer James Bonner, who took Muffley to the police station.There, Marouchoc read him his Miranda rights, after which Muffley admitted to trying to steal the batteries.When Marouchoc asked him why he left his son, Muffley told the officer he had instructed the boy to walk home.