The New Hope Borough Police Department is seeking the identity of a man seen on security footage punching and breaking the window of Farley’s Book Shop at 44 South Main Street. The incident took place at approximately 2:30 am on Jan. 1.
“We are assuming he might be a local guy,” said New Hope Borough Police Chief Michael Cummings. “It was probably someone who had too much to drink. He appeared to be expressing anger. He did not make entry,” the Chief said.
Established in 1967, this wasn’t the first time Farley’s Book Shop has been vandalized. “Although I’m disappointed, I’m not surprised,” said Julian Karhumaa, manager of the bookstore. “What he did was terrible. I don’t want to have to fix a window in the middle of winter.” The window has been boarded up and will be repaired. When asked what the behavior was likely attributed to, Karhumaa simply responded, “drunkenness”.
If caught, the man will be charged with criminal mischief, and will have to pay restitution and a fine. “There are grades of criminal mischief,” the Chief said, “his fine would likely be $500.”
Information about the incident is posted on Buckscrimewatchpa.com. The Lambertville police have also been notified to see if any of their officers recognize the man.
Also in New Hope, in the early hours of Jan. 4, Route 32 Riding Gear, located at 115 South Main Street was broken into. The perpetrators likely used a crowbar to break through the front door. The store is missing $197 in cash from the register plus five riding jackets. Due to a temporary internet outage, the store’s security camera was offline during the incident.
Dominick Pizzullo, owner of the motorcycle safety gear store reported the robbery when he opened in the morning. “The police were there in ten minutes,” said Pizzullo. “The Chief came and supervised the whole thing from beginning to end. He even stayed while I got a lock to secure the door,” he said.
The police are gathering video from other businesses to see if they have any helpful footage and are processing DNA samples from the store. “If somebody saw something, they should contact the police,” said Police Chief Michael Cummings.
If anyone has information regarding the identity of the culprit in either incident, they should contact the New Hope Borough Police Department at 215-862-3033.
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