A predawn burglary run through downtown St. Paul ended with two Red Wing teenagers in handcuffs after police say they slipped into the St. Paul Hotel and the Palace Pub, then tried to bolt. Officers reported finding backpacks loaded with pry bars, headlamps and bottles of alcohol, and court filings and surveillance footage allegedly tie the pair to multiple other downtown break-ins.
According to Pioneer Press, prosecutors have identified the suspects as 19-year-old Micah Scott Meyer and 18-year-old Seth Garrett Janick, both from Red Wing. Investigators say Palace Pub video shows Meyer pulling on a patio door while Janick jumps over the bar to pick out and remove bottles, and hotel footage reportedly captures the pair forcing a lobby door and trying to reach the roof. The criminal complaints state that officers recovered alcohol and burglary tools from both after the arrest.
Security footage and items recovered
Court filings available through Minnesota Court Records Online list what deputies say they found inside the bags. Meyer’s backpack allegedly contained a pry bar, a headlamp and bottles of Southern Comfort and Bacardi, while Janick’s reportedly held more pry bars and additional bottles. Hotel security cameras, according to the filings, caught the two yanking on a lobby door, one suspect tampering with a camera and a failed effort to force open a roof door before officers gave chase and detained them.
Alleged pattern and prior record
Investigators told reporters the teens are suspected in a series of other downtown burglaries, including incidents at Seventh Street Truck Park Bar, Amsterdam Bar, the 620 Club, Burger Dive and Keys Cafe, Pioneer Press reported. The filings also note that Janick has a recent trespassing conviction and had been placed on unsupervised probation only days before the alleged break-ins, a detail prosecutors may highlight in court.
Charges and next steps
Each defendant faces two counts of felony second-degree burglary and two counts of possession of burglary or theft tools, with charges filed in Ramsey County District Court, according to records on Minnesota Court Records Online. Both posted bond and were released from custody in the middle of the week, and arraignment and additional hearing dates are expected to be scheduled in upcoming Ramsey County court filings.
What investigators are asking
St. Paul police and prosecutors say the investigation is still active and are asking anyone who has video or information to contact investigators to help determine whether the pair are tied to other cases. Business owners affected by the break-ins say the incidents highlight the value of surveillance cameras and a quick police response as they assess damage and work with authorities to secure their properties.
