Western, Pa. drug suspect absent while convicted

BEAVER, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man has been convicted of drug charges even though he failed to attend most of his trial.

Beaver County authorities were still searching today for 30-year-old Andre Ikard, who was convicted of felony crack cocaine possession charges Thursday after a jury deliberated for about five minutes.

Authorities say Ikard knew his trial was scheduled, because he was present for jury selection on Tuesday. The court closed for Veterans Day on Wednesday and testimony in the trial was held Thursday after Ikard failed to show up.

Ikard’s last address was in Beaver Falls, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

Ikard was convicted of having $1,800 and crack cocaine on him when police investigated drug activity at a bar in May 2008.