SCHUYLER - One man who allegedly stole a pickup in Schuyler is heading to trial, while the other man that helped, has had his charge amended from a felony to a misdemeanor.
An arrest affidavit says, Isaac Zabala, was in an accident with a pickup on 9th and B Streets in Schuyler back in May. The affidavit says the man Zabala hit wanted to call police to inform them about the accident, but says Zabala and the others in his vehicle did not want to do so.
Police say in the affidavit, that the pickup owner began walking to a find a phone, when another vehicle pulled up, and two men stole his truck.
Rafael Avila-Juarez later admitted to police that he and Zabala stole the truck, and that Avila-Juarez drove the pickup, because Zabala didn't know how to drive a stick shift, says the affidavit.
Zabala reportedly told Avila-Juarez to help steal the pickup so that they could hide it, because he didn't want the accident to be reported to police, says the affidavit.
Zabala was facing a felony conspiracy charge, which has since been amended down to aiding and abetting a class 1 misdemeanor, says court records. He is due for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.
Avila-Juarez is facing a felony charge for stealing the truck, to which he pled not guilty, says court records. He is due for a status hearing on Wednesday, with a jury trial scheduled for February 21st.
Two Stole Truck in Schuyler to Avoid Accident Charges
