Cops Catch Alleged Cigar Store Burglar in Foot Chase

South Whitehall Township police officers caught and arrested a man who allegedly tried to break into the Cigar Boss store on Tilghman Street early Saturday.

The man was allegedly involved in an earlier break-in at Action Rental on Broadway.

Eric Michael Keller, 26, of the 1400 block of Hamilton Street, Allentown, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal trespass, conspiracy and criminal attempt to commit burglary, according to court documents.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the Cigar Boss store owner fell asleep in the rear lounge and was awakened by the sound of a door being pried open. The owner called police.

Officers Richard Meckes and Cpl. David Gross responded to the call and saw three people at the rear of the store whom they chased on foot, the affidavit said. Meckes caught Keller at the intersection of Tilghman Street and Parkway Road.

Keller told police earlier he had walked with two other men from the 1400 block of Chew Street to Action Rental at 4535 Broadway. He said they cut the fence with bolt cutters, entered the storage yard and broke a window in the building, according to the affidavit.

Keller told police one of the men entered the building, exited and then entered again after breaking another window. The man took cash and gave Keller $240 of it, according to the affidavit. 

The three then walked to the Cigar Boss, where police caught Keller allegedly trying to break into the store. When Keller was arrested, he had a black backpack containing forcible entry tools, inspection stickers and coins, the affidavit said.