House burglaries drop after teens’ arrest

STAFF REPORT

CAMPBELL — The rate of house burglaries in Campbell fell after police charged three city teens with receiving stolen property and obstruction of justice.

Sgt. David Taybus, juvenile officer, said police are investigating 13 burglaries that occurred from mid-December through the first week in January to determine if the boy, ages 16 and 17, were involved in the break-ins.

The youths were arrested at about 10:30 p.m. Jan. 6 by Ptl. John Gulu, who saw one of them on 15th Street between Gordon and Reed Avenue in violation of Campbell’s 10 p.m. curfew for those 17 and younger.

Gulu placed the juvenile in the cruiser and while he was leaving saw three other juveniles walking on 15th between Gordon and Tremble Avenues. He, along with two other officers, stopped the trio.

According to police, when they tried to detain the juveniles, one escaped.

The three were taken to the police station, where it was discovered the teens had items that were later identified as stolen.

The recovered stolen items were from various burglaries. The type of items stolen, such as jewelry and electronics, and the method of entry were similar. Because of this, police say the three may have been involved in several of the burglaries that occurred over the past several weeks.

Taybus said the three were released to their parents the night they were arrested.

The one charged with a felony — based on the value of a stolen ring in his possession — was later arrested and is being held in the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center.

alcorn@vindy.com