SCRANTON -- A wanted city man is in custody after an off-duty officer noticed him walking downtown today, police said.
Officer Jason Hyler of the city police Street Crimes Unit spotted Michael Mata, 18, 328 Prescott Ave., walking north on Penn Avenue at about 2 p.m., according to a complaint. Hyler, who knew he was wanted for robbery, and followed Mata and contacted the U.S. Marshals. Mata was arrested after a short chase through the crowded University of Scranton campus, police said.
Officers found about two ounces of marijuana when they arrested Mata.
Mata is charged with felony flight to avoid apprehension, possession with intent to deliver and related counts. Bail and preliminary hearing information were not available today.
— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY