A local man accused of breaking into a Salvation Army van and an employee’s car remains free on bond after state prosecutors asked for continuance in the scheduled preliminary hearing Tuesday.

Edward Sturdivant, 37, of 24-C Rangedale Apt. was arrested April 18 and charged with two counts of unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle. Sturdivant allegedly broke into a Salvation Army van parked at the facility located on Franklin Street and then broke into an employee’s car the same day.

According to a Salvation Army employee, Sturdivant was seen rummaging in the passenger side of the organization’s vehicle on April 18 as she went out to the parking lot.

The employee noticed the front passenger side of her vehicle had been pried open. The victim said she had locked her car doors and didn’t know how Sturdivant gained entry into her vehicle.

Once Sturdivant saw the employee, he allegedly fled the scene before officers could arrive.

Strangely enough, Sturdivant came back to the scene of the crime while the Selma Police officers were taking reports from the Salvation Army’s supervisor. Sturdivant was identified as the person who broke into both vehicles and was arrested on the spot.

It is unknown whether Sturdivant stole any items from the vehicles or the cost of damages to the automobiles.

Sturdivant was scheduled to appear in Tuesday’s preliminary hearing before Judge Nathaniel Walker, but assistant district attorney Parke Keith asked for a continuance in the case because the witnesses were on vacation – unavailable to testify in court.

Sturdivant’s case will be heard at a later date.