2 Teens Arrested After Downtown Saint Paul Burglary Spree
BY MN CRIME STAFF
Two teens are facing felony charges after investigators say they broke into multiple downtown Saint Paul businesses early Saturday.
The duo fled on foot when police arrived but were captured a short time later after attempting to force entry into a nearby hotel.
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Micah Scott Meyer, 19, of Red Wing, and Seth Garrett Janick, 18, also of Red Wing, are each charged with second-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools, according to criminal complaints filed in Ramsey County District Court.
According to the complaints, Saint Paul police were dispatched around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31 to a burglar alarm at the Palace Pub near West 7th Place and Saint Peter Street. When officers arrived, they found signs of forced entry and disruption inside, including overturned chairs, shoe prints on dining chairs and on the bar and missing bottles of alcohol. About 25 minutes later, officers were sent to the Saint Paul Hotel just blocks away after security staff reported two males seen on surveillance cameras attempting to break into roof access areas. When officers arrived, the two suspects tried to run but were arrested after a foot chase.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed Meyer and Janick forcing entry into the hotel through a lobby door by pulling on it and damaging the locking mechanism. Once inside, authorities said Janick tampered with a security camera and used a crowbar while attempting to breach a roof access door. The pair were unsuccessful and left through a stairwell, but investigators said several doors inside the building were damaged. Damage estimates were still pending when the criminal complaints were filed.
Officers reported both teens were carrying backpacks when they were arrested. Meyer was allegedly found with a cat claw tool, a Gerber multi-tool, a firefighter door opener, a headlamp and bottles of Southern Comfort whiskey and Bacardi Superior rum. Janick was allegedly found with pry bars along with bottles of Bacardi rum, Malibu rum and Bud Light beer.
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Police later reviewed surveillance footage from the bar burglary and said they recognized Meyer and Janick as the suspects. Investigators said the footage showed the two walking around the exterior of the business before Meyer pulled open a patio door and the two entered. Authorities said Janick then jumped over the bar while both teens found and stole bottles of alcohol. Investigators also noted a shoe print found on the bar appeared consistent with the shoes Janick was wearing when he was arrested.
After being advised of his rights, Janick told investigators he and his friends were in Saint Paul to explore the city’s tunnel system. He admitted he and Meyer entered the bar and said the burglar alarm sounded when Meyer opened the door. When questioned about the alcohol found in their backpacks, Janick told investigators a friend had obtained it and said he did not know where it came from. He later denied ownership of his backpack. Janick also admitted entering the hotel and being on a rooftop ledge but provided inconsistent details when questioned further, telling investigators his actions were “dumb and irresponsible.”
Investigators said Meyer also admitted he traveled from Red Wing to downtown Saint Paul with friends and described the group as “hanging out,” “messing around, [and] doing s*** we shouldn’t have.” Meyer admitted he pulled open the patio door at the bar and said he took several bottles of alcohol after entering while Janick jumped behind the bar and took additional bottles. Meyer also admitted he later went to the hotel and was present at the rooftop access area.
Authorities said both teens are also suspects in several other Saint Paul burglaries, including incidents involving Truck Park Bar, Amsterdam Bar, the 620 Club, Burger Dive and Keys Café. Those investigations remain ongoing.
Court records show both Meyer and Janick remain in custody, with both expected to make initial court appearances Feb. 4. Initial bail has been set at $10,000 with no conditions. If convicted, the burglary charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The possession of burglary or theft tools charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
