Mercedes Alexander, 28, of Mahanoy City, was committed to Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, on a felony charge of theft of a motor vehicle following an incident at 6:49 a.m. Jan. 6 on Buck Mountain Road in Mahanoy Township.

State police at the Frackville barracks said that a 65-year-old woman from Barnesville reported she started her 2020 Kia in preparation to leave for work. After gathering items in her home, she returned outside and found that her vehicle was missing.

The woman heard a car and saw lights as the vehicle traveled toward her, police said.

She told police her brother stood in the roadway, stopping the vehicle, which was operated by Alexander.

Police said the suspect showed signs of intoxication and was later transported by police to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Pottsville, for a blood draw.

Alexander was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

She failed to post $25,000 bail and was jailed.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker in Shenandoah.