Three youth connected to second gas station burglary, police say

WESTERLO―Three youths who police say burglarized a Westerlo gas station this week have now been connected to a second break-in.

The trio―ages 14, 13 and 10―allegedly broke into the Altamont Sunoco on Main Street in the Village of Altamont in the early morning hours of April 4, Guilderland Police reported on Thursday.

During their investigation, the Guilderland Police Department said they developed suspects and executed a search warrant at a residence, “where they located evidence linked to the burglary as well as another burglary in a separate jurisdiction.”

On Wednesday, the three juveniles were taken into custody by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly burglarizing the Citgo gas station at 3664 State Route 85 on April 6.

According to the sheriff’s office, the front window of the Citgo station was smashed and items stolen from inside included $2,500 in tobacco and vape products, $300 in cash and approximately $100 worth of alcohol.

Investigation resulted in the arrest of a 14-year-old from Altamont and a 13-year-old from Knox who were each charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief, all felonies.

As a result of the Altamont burglary, the two teens were additionally charged by Guilderland Police with third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree grand larceny, all felonies, and fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor. Guilderland Police did not release information on what items were stolen in that case.

The two teens were processed and are scheduled to report to the Albany County Probation Department for both incidents.

The 10-year-old, who resides in Knox, was not charged due to their age and referred to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.