Man Who Allegedly Stole Police Horse Seeks Resolution in Mental Health Court
Staff Writer
A Lancaster city man charged with stealing a police horse last month waived a preliminary hearing Tuesday.
That means Adam Schulz will either face trial or plead guilty to a felony theft charge for stealing "Charlie" on Nov. 7.
Schulz, a veteran, is hoping to resolve the case in Mental Health Court or Veteran's Court, it was said at Tuesday's hearing.
Offenders often can avoid prison in those specialty courts if they follow program requirements.
Schulz, 32, is charged with stealing "Charlie" after caretaker Officer Wayne McVey tied the animal to a post on North Queen Street.
McVey tied up the horse while he checked on nearby businesses.
About a block away, another city officer found Schulz walking with the horse's reins tied to his waist, officials said. The horse was following Schulz.
Schulz lives in a row house on West Walnut Street, so it was unknown where he planned to take the 2,000-pound animal.
Because the horse is valued at $10,000, McVey filed a felony charge of theft by unlawful taking.
Schulz, who is locked up at Lancaster County Prison on a parole violation, appeared at a district court office Tuesday only to sign paperwork.
District Judge Bruce Roth reduced Schulz's bail to $5,000. However, Schulz isn't eligible for bail until he has a hearing regarding the parole violation.
nAlso Tuesday, a city man waived a preliminary hearing on hit-and-run charges relating to an Oct. 27 crash that seriously injured a motorist.
Brian E. Hostetter, 35, will be tried on five felonies, including aggravated assault by vehicle.
Ryan M. Brown, 24, was seriously hurt in the accident at Prince and King streets, police said. Hostetter ran a red light at the intersection, struck Brown's car, then took off, police allege.
Hostetter was driving a stolen truck, which police recovered soon after the crash. Hostetter left behind a cellphone, and police charged him Nov. 4.
Assistant District Attorney Christine Wilson is prosecuting; lawyer Christopher Tallarico represents Hostetter.
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