close

Two wanted for burglary, arson at Ohiopyle shops

By Alyssa Choiniere achoiniere@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

Two people allegedly broke into three Ohiopyle shops, stealing $2,120 and causing nearly $12,000 in damages Friday.

State police identified Joseph Cyril Stenger, 35, of Graff Street in Everson as one of the suspects. A warrant was issued for his arrest Tuesday. Police are working to identify the second suspect, described as a white man or woman wearing a brown jacket, brown backpack and a ski mask.

The burglarized shops — Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe, Firefly Chocolates and Ohiopyle House Cafe — are only opened seasonally. Police said Stenger tried unsuccessfully to light the bakery on fire, according to state police.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Stenger and the second suspect broke into the Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe at about 1:40 a.m. Friday, ransacked the freezer room, broke a TV and threw products on the floor. They allegedly stole a bank bag holding $400. They left about 10 minutes later and came back at about 3:30. Stenger reportedly stacked “an enormous amount” of paper bags around a space heater and turned it on high before leaving again.

They also allegedly broke into Firefly Chocolates next door, damaging a screen door and frame, freezer and cooking supplies that were thrown on the floor. Police said the suspects stole an iPad and change from the cash register.

At Ohiopyle House Cafe, the suspects allegedly damaged the door, cash register, juke box and gambling machine in an attempt to steal money. They allegedly stole money from the cash register and then loaded a crate with liquor. They returned about an hour later to steal more alcohol, police said.

Stenger is charged with arson, five counts of criminal trespass, 10 counts of burglary, 16 counts of criminal mischief and 20 counts each theft and of receiving stolen property.

Charges were filed before Magisterial District Judge Nathan A. Henning.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today