Leonardtown, Maryland - On March 9, 2015, deputies responded to the Burch Mart convenience store and gas station located on the corner of Route 5 and Route 245, for a burglar alarm activation. As Deputy Steinbach entered the parking lot he observed two (2) suspects run from the front door of the business in opposite directions. Deputy Holdsworth and DFC Kerby pursued one of the suspects while Deputy Steinbach pursued the other. One of the suspects was apprehended behind Father Andrew White School by Deputy Holdsworth; the other suspect was not located. Additional deputies, K9 units, and troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack attempted to locate the second suspect with negative results.
The investigation revealed both male juvenile suspects hatched a plan to burglarize the business. Suspects placed tape on the door in an effort to prevent the glass from shattering and to minimize the noise. The suspects then struck the door with a blunt object which activated the businesses alarm.
The second suspect was located at his residence a short time later. Both suspects, (age 15 of Leonardtown), were placed under arrest and charged with Felony 2nd Burglary and 4th Degree Burglary - tools. The suspects were transported to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Headquarters where they were processed and released to the custody of a parent(s). CASE #13207-15
