Four arrested for recent burglaries
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Police have made several arrests in connection with dozens of car burglaries reported throughout the city in late October, following a report of suspicious activity on Cedar Street shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 25.
Dan Corey, the city’s animal control officer and resident of Cedar Street, called the Presque Isle Police Department around 12:48 a.m. to report he was awakened by someone trying to enter his locked vehicle. He indicated he’d seen a person with a flashlight but the person “took off.”
Officers Kevin Reed and Peter Johnson responded to investigate. Police — on foot and by patrol car — searched the area.
“Shortly after 1 a.m. I located Brian Maynard, 18, of Presque Isle in the vicinity of Dupont Dr. Maynard was taken into custody and transported to the Presque Isle Police Department,” said Reed.
Officer Cole Chandler was called in to assist with interviewing Maynard. Reed charged Maynard with theft, burglary of a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana and sale and use of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $500 cash or $3,000 surety, with conditions. Maynard was able to make bail. His court date has been set for Dec. 28, 2011.
The PIPD received several calls from vehicle owners reporting car burglaries between Oct. 24 and 25. On Oct. 24, a resident of Canterbury Street reported her unlocked vehicle had been burglarized but nothing seemed to be missing. Reports on Oct. 25 included: two Cedar Street residents reported items taken from their vehicles, including spare change; a Dupont Drive indicated someone went through her unlocked vehicle, taking about $2 from a gym bag in the car; a vehicle on Dyer Street was also reported to have been burglarized; and a Lombard Street resident reported having an Ipod and money stolen from their automobile. Reports continued on Oct. 26: a Dupont Drive resident reported his vehicle had been ransacked; and a Dyer Street caller reported his unlocked vehicle had been burglarized and his digital camera was stolen.
Police continued the investigation the recent car burglaries, subsequently arresting at least three more individuals.
“In addition to Maynard, we’ve arrested three juveniles in connection with the car burglaries,” said Dep. Chief Laurie Kelly.
Police advise motorists to lock their vehicles, whether at home, work or shopping, to help deter criminal activity. Police also ask anyone noticing suspicious activity to contact police as soon as possible. Anyone with information on this or any crime, call 764-4476.
