Three charged in Newell burglaries
Three men are behind bars after police said they were identified as suspects in a burglary spree in Newell in recent months.
Southwest Regional police said Matthew Von Kerik, 21, of 136 Fourth St., Newell; Michael Sawyer, 21, of 922 Evans St., Jeannette; and Mark Burnett, 18, of 409 Miller St., Newell; were each charged with burglary and related charges following the investigation.
According to officers, the burglaries occurred at three residences and one storage building over a five-month period, beginning in June.
Stolen items included a gun, knives, jewelry, televisions, computers, other electronic equipment and money, police said.
Police said they also are investigating possible connections to other burglaries in the borough and investigating possible additional suspects.
Officers said that in at least three instances, the burglaries were committed by the suspects by pushing in air window air-conditioning units.
Additionally, police said that in one burglary, a suspect kicked and injured a family dog that was inside the residence during the heist.
All three suspects were placed in Fayette County Prison on $10,000 straight cash bond.
They will face preliminary hearings at later dates before Magisterial District Judge Jesse Cramer.