Two Men Charged in Hellertown Gas Station Burglaries

Hellertown Police Thursday announced arrest warrants for two men that are the result of an investigation into two recent burglaries at gas stations in the borough.

According to a news release, the investigation began after Top Star Express at 1570 Main Street and Plaza Sunoco at 701 Main Street were both burglarized during the early morning hours of New Year’s day.

“Damage to both commercial storefronts in addition to theft of consumer products totaled in excess of $20,000,” the release said.

Police said investigators subsequently learned that similar burglaries had recently occurred in Montgomery Township, Montgomery County, and East Whiteland Township, Chester County. They said that collaboration with those departments led to the identification of two Philadelphia area men who are now charged with committing the Hellertown burglaries: Damion Michael Christian, 18, and Michael Allen Pritt, 39, who are both of the 1400 block of Surrey Lane, Wynnewood, Montgomery County.

According to the release, both men are charged with Felony 2 Burglary and Criminal Trespass and Felony 3 Theft offenses. Pritt is also charged with Misdemeanor 2 Criminal Mischief.

Police said arrest warrants were issued for the men on Jan. 20 and that Christian “is expected to surrender to police” at Northampton County District Court 03-2-04 in Lower Saucon Township early next week. Pritt remains a fugitive, they added.

Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using information provided by the Hellertown Police Department and Northampton County court records.