Three North Reading Men Charged in Early Morning Burglary

From the North Reading Police Department:

Police Chief Michael P. Murphy announces that the North Reading Police Department on Monday arrested three men for allegedly breaking into a home during the early morning hours and stealing money, jewelry, and other items.

As a result of an investigation, Ian C. Killpatrick, 21, Brendan J. Beninati, 21, and Christopher J. Kirby, 23, all of Notth Reading, were arrested and charged with:

• Breaking and Entering During the Nighttime to Commit a Felony

• Conspiracy to Commit a Crime

Additionally, Kirby and Beninati were charged with Obstruction of Justice for allegedly lying to and trying to mislead police investigating the case.

North Reading Police responded to a residence on Old Andover Road shortly before 6 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 for a report of a burglary in progress. The 911 caller told police that they observed three males running away from the house and get into an older White Cadillac or Lincoln, smashing beer bottles on the ground and dropping a jewelry box and other stolen items as they fled.

The investigation led police to Kirby’s apartment on Park Street in North Reading. Officers responded and saw an older model White Lincoln and observed several rolls of coins in plain view, in the back seat of car. A roll of coins was also observed on the walkway leading to the Park Street residence. The three suspects were inside the home. All three were arrested after the police investigation.

Police do not believe the burglary was a random act. The parties appear to be known to each other, and police believe that the victim’s home was targeted. The suspects are known to police.

“I am proud of the quick thinking and aggressive investigation performed by the North Reading Police Department this weekend,” Chief Murphy said. “Our officers were able to quickly track down these three alleged burglars and arrest them before they could do more to disrupt our neighborhoods.”

Kirby and Beninati were held because of outstanding arrest warrants. Killpatrick was held overnight on $1,000 bail. The suspects will be arraigned in Woburn District Court later this morning.