Two Bedford men are facing second- and third-degree felony charges related to an alleged burglary at the Big Boy Tobacco & Vape Shop.
Michael Lee Karns, 56, and Christopher Wayne Kauffman, 18, both face one count each of burglary and criminal trespass, as well as a summary criminal mischief charge, stemming from a 2:45 a.m. April 10 break-in at the Lincoln Highway, Bedford Township business.
According to the criminal complaint, police were responding to a burglary alarm at the store, and saw en route a white Chevrolet Cavalier traveling south toward Bedford Borough.
Once on the scene, police said they saw a sliding-glass drive-through window was cracked, the frame had pry marks, a basement door was open, and another door appeared to be tampered with.
Troopers said they again saw the white sedan drive by, this time heading east on Lincoln Highway. They cleared the scene and drove off in search of the vehicle, which they found at the Sheetz store on Mile Level.
Police made contact with an individual standing by the vehicle; Karns was in the front passenger seat.
The witness said Kauffman was inside the store. Police asked him about the alleged break-in. The man allegedly said he, Karns, and Kauffman had just been at the store, where Karns broke the window and Kauffman tried to pry it open. The man said he remained in the car as lookout.
He then provided police with a prying tool, according to the complaint.
Kauffman denied involvement and was taken into custody. Karns allegedly admitted to being at the scene, but said he did not pry the window open. He said it was the witness who attempted to kick in the back door.
Police said Karns admitted at the barracks to prying open the window.
Both men were jailed on $150,000 monetary bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for 9 a.m. April 17 at Bedford County Court.
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