EVANS - A California man is going to jail after a major search - on air and ground - after allegedly not paying a Dunkirk taxi cab for services rendered.
State Police on the Thruway responded to eastbound Angola Service Area to investigate a possible theft of services complaint at 8:25 a.m. today.
The complaint was being made by a taxi cab driver, who was unable to secure fare payment for services rendered. During the preliminary stages of the investigation, the suspect fled the service area on foot.
With the assistance of State Police, Troop "A", the Erie County Sheriffs Department helicopter and the town of Evans Police Department, a perimeter was established and an organized search of the area was conducted.
Shortly after 11 am, the Erie County Sheriffs helicopter directed ground units to an abandoned garage on Gowans Road in the Town of Evans. The suspect, Kevin G. Holt, 38, of Alpine, Calif. was located hiding in the rafters of the garage, and was taken into custody.
Holt was charged with Theft of Services and Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd Degree.
In addition, further investigation has revealed that Holt is wanted on three outstanding warrants in California and Idaho.