Tavern employee steals patron's truck

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Amherst Police have arrested a restaurant employee, accused of stealing a patron's truck while it still had the victim's dog inside of it.

On Wednesday, the victim reported his truck had been stolen while he inside the Audubon North Beef, Keg and Grill on Sweet Home Road. The victim told officers he had left his keys, as well as his dog, in the truck before it was taken. Officers immediately suspected an employee of the business, but a check of the area produced no results.

Around 6 a.m. the next morning, the victim called police to report he had found his truck at a home on Sweet Home Road. Officers responded and found the truck and dog in good condition. They arrested 21-year-old Jake Socha, an employee at the tavern. Police say not only did Socha steal the truck and dog, he also used the victim's credit card, which was also left inside the truck, at several locations.

Socha is charged with third degree grand larceny, fourth degree grand larceny, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.