Three men arrested in connection with burglary of Porter Township residence

PORTER TWP., Pennsylvania (EYT) — Police say three men were arrested for breaking into a Porter Township residence and stealing several items.

Court records show Clarion-based state police filed criminal charges against a 39-year-old man. Steven Lee Bowser Sr.39 years old Bo Brady Murrayboth from Pétrolia, and 56 years old William Stanl Brookbankde Bruin, in the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller on May 13.

According to a newly released criminal complaint, Clarion PSPs were dispatched to the 8700 block of State Route 861 in Porter Township, Clarion County, for a report of a burglary in progress around 10:50 a.m. Monday May 13.

Upon arrival at the scene, police interviewed the victim, who said she was away from her residence when her phone “started ringing,” indicating that the surveillance video at her residence was observing movement. He explained that he saw three men approach his residence on foot. The victim provided police with surveillance video, the complaint states.

While watching surveillance, troopers observed the three men, identified as William Brookbank, Steven Bowser Sr. and Bo
Murray, approach the residence and attempt to make contact with the residents through the back door. After no one answered the back door, Brookbank, Bowser and Murray began emptying the contents of a vehicle onto the property, which they intended to drive or tow from the residence, the complaint states .

The surveillance camera was then ultimately tampered with and deactivated, the complaint notes.

During the investigation, it was determined that the side window of the residence had been opened and a bag containing various tools had been removed from inside, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, Brookbank and Bowser admitted to being inside the residence to feed the dogs on the property. However, the dogs were not present during the incident.

Bowser and Brookbank were arraigned at 6:05 p.m. and 6:09 p.m., respectively, on May 13, on the following charges before Judge Miller:

• Burglary – Overnight accommodation, no person present, crime 1
• Conspiracy – Burglary – Overnight accommodation, no person present, Crime 1
• Theft by unlawful appropriation of movable property, offense 2
• Conspiracy – Structure Crim Tres-Enter, Felony 3

Bowser is currently free on $35,000.00 unsecured bond, and Brookbank is free on $35,000.00 monetary bond.

Murray was arraigned on the following charges at 6:13 p.m. on May 13:

• Conspiracy – Burglary – Overnight accommodation, no person present, Crime 1
• Theft by unlawful appropriation of movable property, offense 2
• Conspiracy – Criminal Trespass Structure, Felony 3

He is free on $30,000.00 unsecured bail.

All three individuals face a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, June 4, presided over by District Judge Timothy Schill.