May 15, 2026 By Mike Jones 2 min read

Smith Township police said they have identified three suspects in the rash of thefts and vehicle break-ins over the weekend in northern Washington County and thanked the public for sending in tips helping investigators break the case.

The department posted on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon that three people have been identified and charges will be filed against them soon, although investigators did not release their identities or say whether they’ve been located.

Police said they were called Sunday morning to investigate several incidents overnight in the Burgettstown and Langeloth areas, including vehicle break-ins, thefts and a burglary.

In a Facebook post Monday morning, the department asked residents and business owners to check their vehicles, stores, homes and garages to see if anything is missing, stolen or damaged. Police also asked people to provide any surveillance video of suspicious activity from late Saturday night into early Sunday morning to help identify the suspects.

The community responded, sending in video surveillance and numerous tips to help investigators solve the case, police said.

Smith Township police Officer Tyler Evans, who led the investigation, thanked the public for its help, and he added that they were still getting reports of burglaries and vehicle break-ins Wednesday, three days after the initial crime spree.

“Thank you to those who cooperated with my investigation and shared information with me,” Evans wrote in the Facebook post. “I am grateful we have such a great relationship with our community that comes together and works with us to solve problems. I now ask for your patience while I wrap up this case and let it enter the prosecution phase.”

Evans said he would be in contact with each victim and provide them with updates on the investigation.

“This will take some time because there is a rather long list of victims in this case,” Evans said.

No charges had been filed as of Thursday afternoon, according to online court records. Neither Evans nor police Chief Bernie LaRue could be reached for comment Thursday to discuss when charges will be filed.

Investigators asked the Smith Township and Burgettstown area residents to check their property for missing, stolen or damaged items, and to report any issues by calling 911 or the police department’s non-emergency office phone number at 724-947-5069.