Manheim Borough police arrested three Maryland men after a burglary in Rapho Township on Wednesday, and police credited witnesses for aiding the investigation.

Galen Scott Myers, 54, Wilbur Roy Tosten, 65, and James Bradley Tosten Sr., 42, all of Hagerstown, were in Lancaster County Prison on Thursday, accused of stealing guns and jewelry from a home on North Strickler Road.

They are charged with burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal trespass, criminal conspiracy to commit criminal trespass and theft by unlawful taking or disposition.

According to Manheim police Chief Joseph C. Stauffer, a witness called police after seeing three unknown men enter the home and carry out guns and gun cases.

When the men left in a yellow pickup truck with a yellow cap, the witness followed.

Manheim police Officer Kristopher Keller found the suspect vehicle and stopped it in the 2300 block of Hossler Road, a short distance from the burglarized residence.

Keller noted a long brown-and-black gun case in the bed of the pickup concealed under a bed mattress and box spring. He also saw an additional gun case behind the driver's seat of the pickup.

Only Wilbur Tosten was in the pickup at the time it was stopped, but the witness told Keller that he had seen the truck drop off the other two men, who re-entered the home.

Manheim Officer Aaron Szulborski arrived and approached the residence. As he did, Myers began to run. Szulborski gave chase and apprehended Myers after a short foot pursuit.

Stauffer and Manheim Officer Steven Ludman arrived to find witnesses pointing out the third suspect, who was walking from the front yard of the victim's house.

During questioning, Stauffer said, all three men admitted to entering the residence and stealing the firearms as well as personal items belonging to the victim, who they said was unknown to them.

A search of the pickup truck revealed 14 firearms, including nine pistols, two shotguns and three rifles. Also recovered were numerous items of jewelry, all of which are believed to belong to the victim.

"This was an outstanding example of what neighbors should be doing for each other," Stauffer said. "The witnesses saw something that didn't look right, called police, and three felons were apprehended."

He said there is "no doubt in my mind that these firearms would have been illegally sold on the street and placed into the hands of other criminals."
lalexander@lnpnews.com