From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS — A pair of burglars in Leeds probably thought they hit the jackpot when they stole $1600 worth of goods from a local business, then returned two days later and snagged another $20,000 worth of merchandise.
If the second haul gave the thieves a feeling of success, it didn’t last long. Leeds Police Department investigators, 48 hours into the investigation of the first heist, were already hot on their trail. By the end of the day, the alleged crooks were behind bars.
“I am proud of our investigation team for their immediate response to these crimes. Our department impresses me everyday in their service and dedication to our community,” Chief Paul Irwin said. “I am thankful for their teamwork and the community for the appreciation they have shown from the removal of these individuals from Leeds.”
Irwin said the first burglary came 0n the morning of Jan. 20, when officers were dispatched to the 8700 block of Parkway Drive on a possible burglary and theft.
Officers arrived and determined that on the previous night, an unknown individual or individuals made forcible entry by cutting an exterior wall of the business. Once inside, approximately $1,600 worth of power tools were stolen.
Irwin said the business was hit again two days later.
On the morning of Jan. 22, officers were again dispatched to the 8700 block of Parkway Drive on a possible burglary and theft. This time, police discovered approximately $20,000 worth of power tools and other items had been stolen.
But investigators were already two days into the investigation of the first burglary and ready to drop the hammer on the burgeoning crime spree.
That same day, detectives quickly established two suspects involved in the burglaries and thefts. They then obtained and executed a search warrant in the 1100 block of Oakridge Drive in Leeds.
During the search, detectives located a majority of the power tools and other items that were taken during the burglary in the earlier that morning.
“During the investigation, it was determined that Matthew Elgin Keith and Edward Chance Bahr worked in conjunction together to commit these crimes,” Irwin said.
Matthew Elgin Keith is charged with third degree burglary and first degree theft of property. He has bonds totaling $45,000.
Edward Chance Bahr is also charged with third degree burglary and first degree theft of property. He has bonds totaling $45,000.