Teen Broke Into Elementary, Stole Prescription Meds, Then Was Linked To Attempted Pharmacy Break-In: Police

COLD SPRING, NY — A burglary at a Hudson Valley elementary school has been linked to an earlier attempt to break in to a pharmacy, according to authorities.

Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess announced the arrest of 19-year-old Kristjan V. Holmbo, of Cold Spring, in connection with at least two burglaries.

On Nov. 4, Holmbo unlawfully entered the Haldane School and stole prescription medications from the nurse's office, according to the Sheriff's Office. After an investigation by the School Resource Officer and Sheriff's Office investigators, Holmbo was identified as the suspect.

On Nov. 13, investigators executed a search warrant at Holmbo's home and arrested him.

He was charged with felony third-degree burglary, misdemeanor petit larceny, misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and felony tampering with physical evidence.

The Sheriff's Office says that the arrest also linked Holmbo to a June 18, attempted burglary at a pharmacy in Cold Spring, where he tried to gain entry to the building but was unsuccessful.

Authorities say that evidence collected during the investigation, including items recovered from Holmbo's home, corroborated both incidents.

For the prior incident, Holmbo was charged with felony third-degree attempted burglary, and felony third-degree criminal mischief.

"Through a coordinated effort between our Criminal Investigators, the School Resource Officer, and school officials, this investigation quickly identified and led to the arrest of the suspect," Sheriff Hess said. "We thank the staff at Haldane School and our SRO for their cooperation and assistance in ensuring the safety of the students and community."