Burglaries Lead Uptick in January Crime

Scott Zuke

(2/24) A rash of break-ins and burglaries targeted several Emmitsburg businesses in January and early February, resulting in damaged property and stolen cash. According to sheriff’s office spokeswoman Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, the number of incidents marked a "slight increase in activity," above what is expected for Emmitsburg in a typical month.

On January 16 police responded to a burglary in progress at a concession stand near the Antique Mall. The suspect fled before the deputy arrived, and there was minor property damage at the scene. On January 22 there was a forced entry through the back door of Stavros Pizza resulting in the theft of an undisclosed amount of cash from a register.

Liberty Manufacturing on Creamery Road was hit twice, first on January 19 when a window was broken and the interior files and desks were searched, but nothing was stolen. The same building was broken into again on February 2, but this time money was stolen from an adjoining business.

"Two arrests have been made, and I believe there is further investigation and more charging documents coming," said [ ], delivering a police report at the February 18 meeting of the Emmitsburg Town Council, although he did not elaborate on which crimes they were connected with.

The Frederick News-Post reported in early February that one of the suspects, Christopher M. Hurtt, of Emmitsburg was charged with second and fourth degree burglary, theft, and malicious destruction of property after being connected to the break-in at Liberty Manufacturing. Hurtt admitted to burglarizing the building with the help of a friend, and attempting to cash in about $1,000 of stolen coins at the Weis Market in Thurmont.

In addition to the burglaries there were six thefts, three cases of fraud, and three incidents of destruction of property in January. On January 16 a metal light pole was knocked down by a car on Academy Ct. causing an estimated $2,100 in damages, according to the Sheriff's office. Tire tracks led the investigating deputy to the residence of the driver, who was charged the fees for replacement.