21-02-2025
Shenandoah man headed to court on multiple charges
All charges were held for court for a Shenandoah man accused of driving a stolen car filled with drugs earlier this month.
Michael Rush, 38, of Shenandoah, waived his right to a preliminary hearing which had been scheduled for Thursday morning in Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker's office.
The case will proceed to the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Rush remains in prison even after Kilker reduced his bail to 10% of $10,000.
On Feb. 9, Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli, Frackville, arraigned Rush on $100,000 straight cash bail.
He is charged with felony receiving stolen property and misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and DUI-Unsafe driving; and numerous summary offenses, according to reports.
On Feb. 9, Rush was driving a car west on Centre Street in the borough when an officer saw him veer out of his lane of traffic, police said. The officer pulled him over near the Blaschak Coal Company, according to reports.
Rush, who was reported to have glassy, bloodshot eyes and incoherent speech, told police he didn't have a valid license. Upon investigation, police determined Rush's license was suspended for DUI-related infractions.
The officer detected the smell of marijuana, and when questioned, Rush admitted he had used marijuana that day, according to reports. A green leafy substance, which he said belonged to him, was visible inside the vehicle, according to police.
Rush refused police requests for a vehicle search. He was unable to provide information on the vehicle, which police said was reported stolen.
After a field sobriety test, police arrested Rush on suspicion of of DUI.
