Torching ATM Nets Pa. Men Jail, No Cash

Dec. 12, 2013
An alarm was triggered.

Dec. 12--KELLY TOWNSHIP -- Two men are behind bars on arson charges for allegedly taking a blow torch to a West Milton State Bank ATM, attempting to break into the machine along High Street in Union County, according to state police at Milton.

Trooper Matthew J. Laforme said Neiko Pratt, 18, of Oreland, and Jordan Smith, 20, of Harrisburg, activated the alarm at approximately 1:50 a.m. Sunday, and state police immediately responded.

After a brief foot pursuit, Smith was apprehended, but Pratt wasn't apprehended until later after a search by state police and officers from Mifflinburg, Point Township and Buffalo Valley police departments and Union County Sheriff's Department, police said.

Police said the fire was extinguished by White Deer Fire Company.

Both men were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Lori R. Hackenberg, Middleburg, on charges of arson, criminal mischief and attempted theft.

Pratt remains in Union County Prison in lieu of $20,000 straight bail. Smith is also in Union County Prison in lieu of $15,000 straight bail.

Copyright 2013 - The News-Item, Shamokin, Pa.

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