Linda Seida

By: centraljersey.com
SOLEBURY – Solebury police are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who tried unsuccessfully to break into a state liquor store with a hammer on Christmas Eve, and the van he drove to the Logan Square Shopping Center on Route 202.
Security cameras captured images of both the man, wielding the hammer and carrying a large black tote bag, and the vehicle at about 5:50 a.m.
The unidentified man used the hammer to strike two of the front windows at the Fine Wine and Good Spirits store. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board opened the store in the shopping center almost six months ago. The hammer blows damaged the safety glass, but the windows did not shatter, according to police.
Failing to gain entry into the liquor store, the man left the shopping center, Detective Cpl. Roy G. Ferrari said. "He did not get inside. He got back in his vehicle and drove away," he said. Police have no estimate of the dollar amount of damages to the liquor store, according to Detective Ferrari.
The unidentified suspect was dressed in black and appeared to be wearing a black knit cap. Police describe the suspect as a white male and estimated his age in the 30s to 40s. He carried the hammer in his right hand while the large duffel bag hung from his left shoulder.
Detective Ferrari said the van appears new and clean, and it did not have a front license plate. He described it as a Ford club van – no side windows – with a ladder rack and ladder on its roof. Its color on the security video appears to be either tan, gold or silver.
Police theorize the vehicle could be a work van, or owned by a self-employed person. The headlights are square, and the van is in "relatively new condition," Detective Ferrari said.
Anyone who recognizes the man or the van, or who has information related to the attempted burglary, is asked to contact Detective Ferrari at [email protected] or 215-297-8201, ext. 111.