CLEARFIELD – The two men charged with burglary and arson for entering a home in Lawrence Township waived their rights to preliminary hearings Wednesday during centralized court.
Stephen Jon Zimmerman, 22, New Millport and Nevin Edward Kruise, 27, Westover were also charged by Elliott Neeper of the Lawrence Township Police with criminal trespass, criminal use of communication facility, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, two counts of reckless burning, risking a catastrophe, possessing instruments of a crime, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Zimmerman is in the county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and Kruise is incarcerated with his bail set at $100,000.
The charges stem from a break in at a Lawrence Township home on May 24.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, when the owner of the home returned he noticed that his ATV that was in his driveway was missing and the front door of the residence was wide open.
Once inside, he found a pour pattern on the floor of what appeared to be gasoline and there was fire damage to his living room furniture.
It was discovered the burglars had gotten in through an open bathroom window by removing the screen. Jewelry, a video game console, DVD’s and other items were missing. Damage indicated that the actors had tried to gain entry to a gun safe.
On June 6, a man contacted police reporting that someone had tried to sell him an ATV through Facebook messenger. This witness then contacted the person selling the vehicle and got photos that confirmed it was the missing ATV.
During his contact with the witness, Zimmerman allegedly admitted the ATV was stolen.
Police were unable to make contact with Zimmerman at his residence. The witness told police that Zimmerman would be at the Glen Richey Fire Hall at 6:00 p.m. on June 9. Police responded to the scene where they took Zimmerman into custody.
During an interview, Zimmerman identified Kruise as the one who actually entered the home through the window and tried to enter the safe while Zimmerman loaded the ATV. He also claimed Kruise poured gasoline through the residence and lit it.
Kruise was found at a Grampian residence and taken into custody.
In his interview with police, Kruise said it was Zimmerman who initially entered the home, and later set a fire with gasoline.