Nikole Babb
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Three teenagers and an 18-year-old man have been identified as suspects in a string of car thefts Friday night.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office shared that around 12:32 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Towanda in the area of ​​N 8th St and E Clay Hill Rd on a report of suspicious activity. Butler County Emergency Communications notified the agency that the reporting party observed two white males attempting to enter vehicles in an area that was not theirs. At approximately 12:38 p.m., deputies came into contact with a white male, identified by his initials as SAL, wearing all black clothing. 30 minutes later, two more suspects were found wearing all black and identified by the initials CWW and BMB.

The fourth suspect, a juvenile identified by the initials JGB, attempted to evade law enforcement, prompting a push notification to area residents via Reverse 911, also known as RAVE. The notification advised residents to be on the lookout for a white male suspect wearing a fedora hat and all-black clothing who may be carrying a compound bow. He was later found hiding in a vehicle that did not belong to him on E Main Street.

During the investigation, deputies were able to confess to stealing a black Under Armor duffel bag containing stolen goods from one of the teens, as well as burglarizing a Ford Mustang in the area. The suspects also admitted to attempting to rob several different cars on different streets in Towanda. The full list of streets has not yet been determined as the investigation is ongoing.

“That’s the advantage of having the Sheriff’s Office under contract,” said Towanda City Administrator/City Clerk Andy Newbrey. “A few MPs will step in and help us when we need it. “I’m glad they were able to send some MPs because it would have been difficult to prosecute this case with just one MP.”

SAL was taken to the Butler County Adult Detention Facility, where he was booked on charges of vehicle theft, theft and trespassing. JGB was taken to the child welfare institution where he was processed and then returned to his family. Since the investigation into the incident continues, no action was taken against the other two suspects. It is known that three of the suspects live in the city of Towanda and the other lives in Benton.

“If residents see people knocking on their door without permission or requiring someone to knock on their door, we ask that they please call the Sheriff’s Office,” Newbrey said. “If you suspect anything, call 911 immediately.”

If other Towanda residents had vehicles that were or were burglarized that night, call Butler County Sheriff’s Office Crime Tips at 316-322-8817, toll-free at 866-484-5924, or email [email protected] -send mail. The City of Towanda also calls for crime tips at 316-536-2243 or 110 S Main St. He sent a notification via e-mail and social media to visit the city office at.