Alleged thief caught breaking into bar ATM
A suspected burglar may have guzzled numerous cans of Red Bull, possibly to keep up his energy, after breaking into a Butler bar Monday morning, authorities said.
Artine Shirvani was caught red-handed, according to Butler police, but not before he managed to break down a door and pry open an automated teller machine at the Eau Claire Street Cafe.
Shirvani, 28, was arrested on burglary and other charges, and he remains in the Butler County Prison on $25,000 bail.
Eau Claire Street Cafe owner Larry Goettler told police he entered his closed bar about 7:30 a.m. and noticed an intruder at the ATM inside. The man, later identified as the defendant, ran into the basement.
Goettler gave chase and with the aid of a Good Samaritan, caught the alleged burglar and held him until officers arrived, police said.
Police found a treasure trove of evidence, including tools of Shirvani’s suspected criminal trade. Next to the ATM, police said, were two wrenches, a hammer and a pair of scissors.
The front of the machine was busted open and the side pried ajar, too.
In Shirvani’s backpack was a pry bar, flashlight and $30.26 in coins — all quarters and one penny.
The pack also contained 13 empty cans of Red Bull and four empty cans of pineapple juice. Police believe the suspect took the cans of energy drink and juice from the bar.
Along with the damage to the ATM, police found a basement door on the east side of the building pried open and a bathroom door knocked in. The damage topped $5,000, police said.
In addition to burglary, Shirvani is charged with theft, criminal mischief and possessing instruments of crime.
