03/17/2026
🗞️ Press Release: 🗞️
Chief Bognatz would like to inform the public of the recent arrest of Robert Villa and Evan Gaughan.
On Saturday morning, officers responded to a reported burglary in progress at a residence on Franklin Street.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male suspect, later identified as Evan Gaughan, wearing a facemask and holding the apartment door open. Gaughan fled the scene on foot. A second suspect, identified as Robert Villa, also fled from the front of the residence. Officers initiated a foot pursuit and were able to take both individuals into custody. Gaughan was tased during the foot pursuit.
During the subsequent investigation, officers determined that Robert Villa was responsible for a recent series of vehicle break-ins in the City of Carbondale and Carbondale Township. Officers also learned that Villa had been renting a room at a local hotel within the city.
Officers obtained probable cause-obtained and executed a search warrant for the hotel room. As a result of the search, officers recovered four (4) handguns, two of which were confirmed to have been stolen from vehicles during recent break-ins. In addition, officers seized a significant quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine, co***ne, and ma*****na.
Villa is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing fi****ms.
Robert Villa, 30, of Moosic, has been charged with four counts of possession of a firearm prohibited, four counts of theft from a motor vehicle, four counts of theft by unlawful taking, three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of an instrument of crime, and loitering and prowling at night. He also faces additional charges of burglary, criminal trespass, and theft by unlawful taking in connection with the residential burglary.
Evan Gaughan, 24, of Taylor, has been charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, evading arrest, and resisting arrest.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest warrant has been issued or a criminal complaint has been filed is merely an accusation. The defendant in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Carbondale Police Department remains committed to pursuing criminals. Our appreciation to all agencies who assisted with this investigation. As always, our thanks to the community who provided information concerning criminal activity in our city.
Anyone with information concerning criminal activity could contact CPD TipLine, the drug tip hot line, (570)282-6211, via call or text.
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