The Auburn Police Department arrested seven people they said were burglarizing the old Taylor's Tavern in the area of 55 Washington St. at 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Police accused the men of breaking into the tavern, which has been out of business since March, and an adjoining apartment to host a party.
Police said it is believed the men stole and consumed several alcoholic beverages that were left in the tavern's bar.
John Stevens, the property's owner, said it looked like someone climbed the fence surrounding a patio in the backyard and broke the lock on the patio door to gain entrance into the building.
Stevens said that there were not a lot of items worth stealing in the building but that he will now have more work to do before selling the property.
“I will have to replace broken doors and locks since the place is on the market,” Stevens said. “They just made a huge mess looking for stuff, and it will take me a few days to clean it up.”
Police had originally responded to a report in the area of an unrelated assault when they saw a group of men fleeing the building.
Police said several other suspects got away and that more arrests are pending.
Police said in addition to breaking into the building, some of the men were carrying double-bladed pocket knives which violate city weapons laws.
Charged are:
* William C. Belgrad-Stevens, 19, third-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor petit larceny.
* Brian M Kalet, 22, 58 Seymour St., Auburn, third-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
* Patrick L. Denman, 21, of 37 Sheridan St., Auburn, third-degree felony burglary, misdemeanor criminal mischief, misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration and carrying a prohibited weapon in violation of city ordinances.
* Dennis L. Merritt, 22, of 7 West St., Auburn, carrying a prohibited weapon in violation of city ordinances and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
* Jeffrey R. DeCaro 19, 17 Grant St., Auburn, third-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
* Johnnie L.P. Tillman IV, 20, 34 Wilbur Ave., Auburn, third-degree burglary, misdemeanor criminal mischief and carrying a prohibited weapon in accordance to city ordinance.
* Matthew R. Scott, 18, of 109 Washington St., Apartment 1, third-degree felony, burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Police said it is believed the men stole and consumed several alcoholic beverages that were left in the tavern's bar.
John Stevens, the property's owner, said it looked like someone climbed the fence surrounding a patio in the backyard and broke the lock on the patio door to gain entrance into the building.
Stevens said that there were not a lot of items worth stealing in the building but that he will now have more work to do before selling the property.
“I will have to replace broken doors and locks since the place is on the market,” Stevens said. “They just made a huge mess looking for stuff, and it will take me a few days to clean it up.”
Police had originally responded to a report in the area of an unrelated assault when they saw a group of men fleeing the building.
Police said several other suspects got away and that more arrests are pending.
Police said in addition to breaking into the building, some of the men were carrying double-bladed pocket knives which violate city weapons laws.
Charged are:
* William C. Belgrad-Stevens, 19, third-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor petit larceny.
* Brian M Kalet, 22, 58 Seymour St., Auburn, third-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
* Patrick L. Denman, 21, of 37 Sheridan St., Auburn, third-degree felony burglary, misdemeanor criminal mischief, misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration and carrying a prohibited weapon in violation of city ordinances.
* Dennis L. Merritt, 22, of 7 West St., Auburn, carrying a prohibited weapon in violation of city ordinances and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
* Jeffrey R. DeCaro 19, 17 Grant St., Auburn, third-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
* Johnnie L.P. Tillman IV, 20, 34 Wilbur Ave., Auburn, third-degree burglary, misdemeanor criminal mischief and carrying a prohibited weapon in accordance to city ordinance.
* Matthew R. Scott, 18, of 109 Washington St., Apartment 1, third-degree felony, burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
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theboss wrote on Jun 5, 2008 3:01 PM: