It sounds like the filed the charge within the statute of limitations they just never served the warrant or notified the defendant. If he wasn't concealing himself (and it doesn't sound like he was) I think the applicable legal argument would be denial of a speedy trial. In any event, if the store is now closed he should just have the case set for trial and the prosecutor probably can't come up with the evidence to make his case at this point.
If it was the rental company that filed the charge all he has to do is show up in court. If the rental company doesn’t show then the case will probably be dismissed.
Are police officers supposed to exercise some judgement? They filed within the statute of limitations, but there is no evidence he evaded the charge?
Where’s the proof of service.