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Locust Gap man arrested for break-in at Mount Carmel Township restaurant
Published: August 12, 2009
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Larry Deklinski/Staff Photo A sign outside Village Towne Family Restaurant, near Atlas. A Locust Gap man attempted to burglarize the restaurant Monday.
ATLAS - A 26-year-old Locust Gap man faces multiple charges after being caught burglarizing Village Towne Restaurant at the intersection of Routes 61 and 54 late Monday night.
Nicholas C. Birster, of 102 Oak St., was arraigned at 10 a.m. Tuesday by Senior Magisterial District Judge Michael Mychak on charges of burglary, theft, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, possessing instruments of crime and criminal mischief relating to the break-in that occurred shortly before 10:30 p.m.
Birster was committed to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, in lieu of $60,000 cash bail.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Mount Carmel Township Patrolmen Daniel Politza and Kelly Campbell, officers were dispatched to the restaurant at 10:24 p.m. after receiving a report of a break-in that was in progress. Police said a passing motorist observed Birster break a dining room window at the business.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, the officer began to secure the perimeter of the building until other officers arrived. While securing the restaurant, which was closed at the time, Politza discovered the broken dining room window before observing Birster attempting to exit the restaurant.
Police said Birster, who was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black shorts and a light green backpack, was ordered by Politza to hold his position and was taken into custody by both officers without incident.
A search of the premises revealed no other suspects, police said.
Police found the cash register open and various change scattered on the floor. Upon searching Birster, police found money in his pockets and also discovered additional money on the floor near the cash register, they reported.
Police also found a large rock that Birster is believed to have used to smash the dining room window. A tire iron and a small flashlight were found near the broken window.
Police said Birster's blue mountain bike was found near a tree line that runs along Route 54 outside the restaurant.
Police said two witnesses who called 911 to report the break-in said they observed Birster smash the window and enter the restaurant.
Frank Alarcon, owner of the restaurant, was thankful over how the situation turned out.
He wanted to thank the officers who responded Tuesday, long after the smashed window had been replaced and the restaurant had reopened.
"I think the cops did a very good job, and I'm grateful for their professionalism and how quickly they reacted," Alarcon said. "They made me feel safe and that everything was under control."
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