LIMERICK TWP., Pa. | Authorities in Montgomery County announced burglary charges against three people accused of breaking into two businesses and trying unsuccessfully to break into a third last week in Limerick Township.
Shawn Carter, 18, of Sanatoga; Hollie Culp, 20, of Milford; and Dylan Potanski, 18, of King of Prussia, each face burglary, theft and related charges in connection with the March 20 break-ins of a pizza shop and bakery, according to a news release from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Limerick Township police were dispatched about 10:15 p.m. to Bravo Pizza, following an alarm for a broken front door at the Kugler Road shop. Authorities said video surveillance showed a male, wearing a camouflage sweatshirt and glasses stealing change from the register and soda from a refrigerator.
Police were then called to Corropolese Bakery for a break-in. Investigators said video surveillance showed three people in the bakery, and that money was stolen from two donation jars. The alleged burglars broke into the pizza shop and bakery by smashing the glass front doors with a rock, according to the district attorney’s office.
The owner of a nearby nail salon reported that someone tried unsuccessfully to smash the front door of the building using a rock.
Police said they found a man that matched the description in the surveillance video from the pizza shop walking on West Ridge Pike about 11:30 p.m. He was with the other two defendants, who were questioned and taken into custody.
“The investigation revealed that these defendants mistakenly believed that it would be easy to get away with burglarizing closed businesses given the coronavirus restrictions. They were wrong,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a prepared statement. “And now they are facing multiple felony charges. Let me be clear: law enforcement in Montgomery County is still operating business as usual, and we are still arresting people who participate in criminal activities.”
Authorities charged Sanatoga, Culp Potanski with burglary, attempted burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy. Each was arraigned March 21 and sent to Montgomery County jail after failing to post $50,000 bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for April 6.
