LOGAN — A judge has refused to lower bail for a 30-year-old transient man, Abuzar Mersal, who is suspected of stealing a car and driving it halfway across the country. Judge Brian Cannell ruled to keep bail at $10,000 after prosecutors claimed the suspect was a flight risk.
Mersal appeared in 1st District Court Tuesday morning. He was arrested October 26 and later charged with theft, a second-degree felony; and two misdemeanors.
State attorney Barbara Lachmar said Mersal allegedly stole a car in Chicago, Illinois and drove it across the country, until he was pulled over by Logan City Police officers. She claimed that he has no ties to the community and will flee if not in jail.
Judge Brian Cannell ordered Mersal to appear again in court December 11.
Mersal could face up to 15-years in prison if convicted.