Cuba Man Arrested For Stolen Possession Of Stolen Vehicle, Firearm

A Cuba man was charged Sept. 23, eight months after authorities allegedly discovered he was in possession of a stolen vehicle and firearm in Catawissa.

Aaron Lyerla, born 1979, has been charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vechile and unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to the probable cause statement, officers responded Jan. 25 to a trespassing call in the 3700 block of Jefferson Street, where they encountered Lyerla near a Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

Lyerla claimed ownership of the vehicle, stating that he had acquired it earlier in the day. However, after leaving the scene, dispatch alerted officers that the same vehicle had been reported stolen from Phelps County. In addition, a stolen firearm was reportedly found inside the vehicle at the time it was taken.

Officers soon located the vehicle driving along Highway N, prompting a traffic stop. 

Lyerla was taken into custody, and the stolen firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

Lyerla is a convicted felon, which makes it illegal for him to possess a firearm.