Man stabbed to death in his driveway during attempted car theft; suspect arrested

KENNETT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Kennett Square man has been charged with first-degree murder following a deadly confrontation during an attempted car theft.

Javier Rivera, 33, was arrested early Monday and is being held without bail at Chester County Prison.

The district attorney's office says the incident began Sunday evening when Rivera allegedly tried to steal a BMW from a driveway on Crestline Drive in Kennett Township.

The vehicle's owner, 69-year-old Charles Maston, came out of the home and confronted Rivera, police say, leading to a chase up the driveway. During the altercation, Rivera allegedly stabbed Maston in the torso and neck, killing him.

Rivera then fled on foot and reportedly stole multiple vehicles in an effort to evade capture. At one point, he crashed into a gray Honda Accord and allegedly stole it after the drivers exited to exchange information.

Later, investigators say he drove a stolen vehicle to West Chester, where he was confronted by two residents after breaking into a home on New Street. When the victim screamed, Rivera ran away.

Back in Kennett Square, police responded to a home on Clover Lane, where they located the vehicle from the crash. But officers also discovered that a gray Honda SUV had been stolen from a garage.

Rivera eventually arrived at his Kennett Square residence in the stolen SUV, investigators say. That's where police say they found him wearing clothing that matched witness descriptions.

He had a laceration on his right palm and a reddish-brown substance, which investigators say was consistent with dried blood, on his shoes and shirt.

Rivera is currently being held without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 20.

"This quiet community was shattered by senseless violence," said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. "Thankfully Chester County law enforcement was able to work together to identify and capture this Defendant quickly before he could hurt others."

Kennett Township Police Chief Matthew Gordon added, "This was a brutal attack that shocks the conscience. There was no reason for anyone to be stabbed last night."

Action News spoke to Rivera's brother off-camera, who says he doesn't know if the accusations are true, but said Rivera has been struggling with his mental health lately. He said, for those who know him, this is out of character for him.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Chester County Detectives at (610) 344-6866.