Officers Earn Unit Citation For Burglary, Meth Lab Bust In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Six law enforcement officers were recognized March 22 with a distinguished unit citation for a burglary arrest in February that led to the discovery of a meth lab operation in Doylestown Borough.

At a meeting of the police commission, Central Bucks Police Chief Karl Knott presented the commendation to Detective Sgt. Paul Kreuter, Detective Jaclyn Lubold, Officer Andrew Hochmuth, Sgt. Keith Deitz, Officer Sean Tropiano and Bucks County Detective Peter Sarris for their work on the case.

On Feb. 7, Detective Sgt. Paul Kreuter and Detective Jaclyn Lubold began investigating a burglary at Poco’s at 625 North Main Street. During their investigation they positively identified two suspects through video surveillance. Two days later on Feb. 9, the detectives obtained a warrant and subsequently arrested and took into custody the suspects at the Main Street Inn.

On Feb. 10, Officer Andrew Hochmuth received narcotics information from an informant he had been working with at the Main Street Inn in reference to the same two burglary suspects.

“Officer Hochmuth conducted a follow up investigation and obtained credible intelligence that the two suspects were manufacturing and distributing meth from their motel room,” said Chief Knott.

Sgt. Keith Deitz and Officer Hochmuth furthered the investigation by reviewing body worn camera video taken of the arrest of the two burglary suspects.

“Upon closer examination, a glass laboratory beaker, a propane tank with a hose attached to it and a clear container which appeared to hold liquid could be seen in plain view just inside the threshold of the motel room,” said Chief Knott. “Based on the training, knowledge and experience of Sgt. Deitz and Officer Hochmuth, they believed this room to be an active meth lab.”

Detective Peter Sarris from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Narcotics Strike Force was called in to assist. Detective Sarris is a recognized expert in the area of clandestine labs.

Detective Sarris, Sgt. Deitz and Officer Hochmuth proceeded to develop an affidavit of probable cause to obtain a search warrant. And Officer Sean Tropiano was sent to secure the motel room until a warrant was approved and executed.

As a result, a multitude of drug paraphernalia indicative of the manufacturing of meth was recovered, said Chief Knott. In addition, multiple passports, birth certificates, social security cards and credit cards that did not belong to the suspects, indicating identity theft, were recovered, he said.

“Officer Hochmuth is specifically to be commended for his continued ongoing investigation which lasted several months to lead to this successful conclusion,” said Chief Knott, “Congratulations to all the officers involved in this comprehensive display of teamwork and a job well done.”

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