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FNN Article © Sunday, October 29, 2023.

ELMIRA, NY – Early Friday morning, October 27, 2023, while Elmira Police were checking multiple vacant buildings as part of their investigation into a number of burglaries in the area, they found the doors of the Star Gazette building open.

One person was seen running from the building as police entered and that individual was captured a short time later. Four other individuals were also seen running through the building and they were immediately detained by police. Local residents said multiple police units surrounded the building by 8:45 AM.

According to police, those taken into custody were in the process of cutting out copper pipes and large gauge wire in the building, causing extensive damage.

The following were arrested and charged with felonies for Burglary in the 3rd degree, as well as Criminal Mischief in the 2nd degree: Levi Bailey, 29, of Elmira; Patrick Davis, 43, of Painted Post; Christopher Gee, 52, of Elmira; Erica Hurler, 39, of Westfield; and Blaine Hurler, 39, also of Westfield. All five were held and will be summoned in the Elmira City Court.

Elmira Police noted that the investigation into the incident is still active and additional arrests may occur as their investigation continues. Anyone with any information relating to the incident is encouraged to contact the Elmira Police Department at (607) 737-5626 or (607) 271-HALT.

All individuals are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.