Police received a tip call Thursday afternoon of a burglary in progress at a home on North Strickler Road in Rapho Township. Just before 2:30 p.m., a witness reported seeing three men enter a home through the back door and start carrying out guns and gun cases. The witness knew the homeowner and did not recognize any of the suspects.

The witness followed the truck as it left the scene until an officer was able to pull over the pick-up. Before the truck was pulled over, witnesses saw two of the suspects were dropped off and entered the house a second time.

Police arrested the pick-up truck driver, 65-year old Wilbur Tosten Sr., on the 2300 block of Hossler Road. Assisting officers apprehended the other two suspects, 54-year old Galen Myers and 42-year old James Tosten, near the victim’s home. All three men are from Hagerstown, Maryland.

After investigation, the suspects admitted to entering the home and stealing guns, jewelry and other valuables. The home was targeted at random by the suspects. A search warrant turned up 14 stolen firearms, 9 of which were pistols, 2 shotguns and 3 rifles. Numerous pieces of jewelry were also recovered during the search of the suspects’ vehicle.

All three face felony charges for Burglary, Criminal Trespass and Theft by Unlawful Taking.

Manheim Borough Police Chief Joseph Stauffer released the following statement on the incident:

“This was an outstanding example of what neighbors should be doing for each other. The witnesses saw something that did not look right, called police, and three felons were apprehended. The witnesses and responding Officers did an incredible job with this apprehension. This was a potentially dangerous incident that involved a large amount of firearms. The witnesses and Officers involved were at great risk. There is no doubt in my mind that these firearms would have been illegally sold on the street and placed into the hands of other criminals. This particular incident kept 14 firearms from entering the street, and put three out of state burglars in prison to be held accountable for their actions. Please remember if you see something, report it. “