Teens Face Charges In Bel Air Business Robbery, Linked To PA Burglary And Car Theft

BEL AIR, MD — Three teens face charges after Bel Air Police say they were involved in the robbery of a Main Street business and have been linked to the theft of a stolen vehicle and store burglary in Pennsylania.

On July 11 around 11:30 p.m., Bel Air police officers were called to the Offline Footwear & Vintage in the unit block of Main Street for a reported commercial burglary. Surveillance footage for that burglary showed four subjects entering the business by smashing the glass in the front door of the shop. Once inside, the suspects rummaged through merchandise, smashed a display case and stole numerous vintage items - mainly shoes - then took off. Officers arrived within minutes of the call for service, the Bel Air Police reported.

Then during the morning of July 16, police officers from the Susquehanna Township Police Department in Pennsylvania were involved in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle occupied by suspects who had just burglarized a retail store in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Six teens were arrested once the police pursuit ended. After sharing details of that burglary with surrounding police agencies, Bel Air officers discovered that the teens were suspected of being involved in an organized crime ring responsible for other burglaries, stolen vehicles and crimes that have happened in Baltimore and surrounding areas in Maryland, including the July 11 incident in Bel Air, the police department stated.

Bel Air detectives identified three of the teens from the Pennsylvania burglary and vehicle theft as being directly involved in the commercial burglary of Offline Footwear & Vintage on Main Street in Bel Air, the police department reported.

"This development was the result of a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional investigation involving the dedicated efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Susquehanna Township Police Department and our allied agency partners for their commitment and collaboration in bringing resolution to this regional crime spree and ensuring those responsible are held accountable," stated Bel Air Corporal John Ganovski.

Charges have been filed against three of the teen suspects involved in the July 11 burglary and police say it's likely that more charges could be filed in the investigation.