Three Bristol Township men who police say broke into a drug store and stole cigarettes the night Superstorm Sandy pounded Bucks County are learning the hard way that you can’t fool with Mother Nature.
Kyle Robinson, 21, David Nolan, 21, and Michael McKernan, 20, will each face enhanced criminal charges because the crime took place during a natural disaster, Bristol Township Lt. Terry Hughes said. Instead of third-degree felony theft, they are charged with second-degree felony theft, which carries a longer potential prison sentence.
“To commit a crime is bad enough, but to commit a crime during a natural disaster is despicable,” Hughes said.
During the height of the Sandy storm at around 10:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Bristol Township police received an alarm call at a Walgreen’s drug store in the 5200 block of New Falls Road. At the time, Pennsylvania was in a state of emergency due to the storm and all available first-responders were dealing with storm-related issues.
When police responded to the store, they confirmed a burglary had occurred. The suspects broke a side window near the front door, entered the store and stole cartons and individual packs of cigarettes, according to the probable cause paperwork.
Robinson was arrested and arraigned Wednesday before Bristol Township District Judge Joanne Kline on burglary, criminal trespassing, theft and related offenses. He was sent to Bucks County prison in lieu of 10 percent of $75,000 bail.
During the investigation, police learned that Robinson was involved in the crime. He admitted to stealing during the storm. In separate interviews, each suspect implicated themselves and the other two in the burglary, police said.
Nolan and McKernan were arrested and arraigned Thursday before Bristol Township District Judge Joanne Kline on charges of burglary, criminal trespassing, theft and related offenses. Both were sent to Bucks County prison, Nolan in lieu of 10 percent of $150,000 bail and McKernan in lieu of 10 percent of $50,000 bail.
McKernan recently waived to trial all the charges in connection with a Feb. 20 robbery of a Bristol Township teen. Officials said he is expected to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit simple assault in that case.
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| David Nolan, Kyle Robinson & Michael McKernan |
Jo Ciavaglia: 215-949-4181; email: jciavaglia@phillyBurbs.com; Twitter: @jociavaglia
Shame on these men! They took opportunity at the most uncovenient time for people affected by Sandy.
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