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Wyoming Suspect Surrenders: Third Man Suspected in Wyoming Hose Co. No. 1 Theft in January is Arraigned.

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 March 2006, 06:00 CST

By Kris Wernowsky, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Times Leader

Mar. 14--WYOMING -- It took some time, but police in Luzerne County finally have the third man they believe stole rescue equipment from a borough fire department, according to borough Mayor Robert Boyer.

Peter Comerota, 35, of York, turned himself in to the Exeter Police Department shortly after 9 a.m. Monday, Boyer said. He, along with Daniel Jose Nawrocki Jr. and Michael Rubino are accused of stealing equipment from the Wyoming Hose Co. No. 1 in January, police said.

Comerota was charged with theft, criminal conspiracy and theft from a motor vehicle. Investigators have yet to recover any of the stolen pieces of equipment, including a generator and three chain saws. Boyer said officials believe the equipment was sold, but added investigators are still trying to figure out who bought the stolen tools.

"We're still focused on trying to get the property back," Boyer said.

He said police pressure and constant attention from the media may have led Comerota to turn himself in to police.

A warrant was issued for Comerota Wednesday involving a separate theft in December in which police say he tried to steal a 244-piece mechanics tool set from Sears in the Wyoming Valley Mall. He also faces charges of theft and receiving stolen property after he allegedly took 20 metal poles from Big Top Rentals in Pittston.

Nawrocki and Rubino surrendered last month, but Boyer said Comerota split his time between Exeter and York, which made it more difficult for investigators find him.

The hose company received an anonymous donation of $5,000 to replace the lost equipment. Company President Joe Lisewski said part of the money would go toward purchasing a security system at the department.

Comerota was arraigned Monday before District Judge Joseph Carmody. He was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m., March 22 in Central Court.

Kris Wernowsky, a Times Leader staff writer, can be reached at 831-7329.

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Copyright (c) 2006, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Times Leader

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Source: The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)

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