Residents of Oakwood Trailer Park in Tunkhannock Township were among the victims of a recent crime spree that sent investigators all around Wyoming County. (Google maps)
By Rick Hiduk
(Also posted at www.RocketCourier.com)
Three vehicles stolen over the course of four days in March, as well as a break-in at the former Shadowbrook bowling alley, have been traced to three young adult males from Wyoming County and a juvenile. Charges have been filed against Thomas Danko, Jr. 18, of Monroe Township, and warrants have been issued for the arrests of Justin Myers and Dakota Murphy.
Police believe that Myers, Murphy and Danko were riding around Tunkhannock Township together in a maroon jeep on the evening of March 22, when Murphy asked to be let out of vehicle near Lake Carey. According to an extensive report filed by Tunkhannock Township Police on April 3, Murphy caught up with them shortly thereafter in a black Jeep Liberty and took off at high speeds toward Forkston Township, the other young men following behind.
The Jeep was wrecked on Windy Valley Road, the blood on Murphy’s face from the impact obvious to the other interviewed suspects and later Myers’ father, who told police on March 30 that he noticed an injury to Murphy’s face and nose on the morning of March 23 when Myers, Murphy, Danko and the juvenile were at his Tunkhannock Township home.
A white Mazda pickup truck, a black Chevy Camaro, and a leather binder containing numerous keys were also reported stolen from Oakwood Trailer Park off Mile Road during this time period. Pennsylvania State Police handled part of the investigations, locating the truck near the ball fields in Beaumont on a tip-off. The Camaro was found on Windy Valley Road by Tunkhannock Township Police. The binder was recovered at Murphy’s home.
During the overnight hours of March 23 and 24, there was a burglary at the former bowling alley building at Shadowbrook Resort, which was being renovated. Police believe that Murphy broke through a glass door, went inside and returned with a cordless drill and two chargers in his possession while Myers, Danko, and the juvenile were waiting in the maroon Jeep. These items were later surrendered to police by Myers’ father after being discovered in the Jeep, which belongs to the father but was used regularly by Myers.
According to police, Myers, Danko and the juvenile confessed to being with Murphy during the thefts and burglaries, but none of them admitted to taking anything.
Danko was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and with theft by unlawful taking or disposition. His preliminary hearing is set for April 10. As of March 30, Meyers was incarcerated at Wyoming County Prison for an unrelated incident. He and Murphy face numerous charges related to the new series of crimes.