Prints lead to arrest
Fingerprints left at the scene of a burglary of a Midway convenience store in August led to the arrest of a Strabane man Monday by McDonald police.
Mason Timothy Kusky, 19, of 167 Wylie Ave., was arrested in connection with the Aug. 8 burglary at Midway Mini-Mart, 101 St. John St.
Police were called about 2:45 a.m. for a report of an alarm activation.
The owner allowed police to review video surveillance. Police said the burglars, one later identified as Kusky, threw a large concrete block through the door.
Once inside, one of the burglars grabbed several cartons of Newport cigarettes from behind the cash register. Several packs fell to the floor, and the second burglar made an unsuccessful attempt to pick them up. Police said the burglar, whom they identified as Kusky, put his left hand on the wooden surface near the cash register as he jumped over the countertop.
A member of the state police forensics services team lifted the print and sent it to the state police crime lab. Police said prints matched those of Kusky, who had been arrested twice in 2014 on charges including possession of marijuana.
Kusky was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.
He was placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 5 before District Judge Gary Havelka.