Reported Thefts and a Bad Story Add Up to $40K Bail

It helps to have a good cover story if you’re going to stick around the scene of the alleged crime.

John McBride, 18, of Cinnaminson didn’t have that, police said, when he allegedly stole both prescription pills and a bike in Palmyra on Feb. 2.

Police were dispatched to West Second Street for a report of a burglary in progress. The caller told police the suspect had been riding a bike, which was propped up outside of the home.

Officers encountered McBride, who told police he was searching for a dog—but couldn’t provide specifics on the dog or who it belonged to. Police searched McBride and found a prescription pill bottle, along with the package the bottle had been mailed in, police said.

McBride admitted to stealing the prescription from a West Second Street home, police said.

Then officers turned their attention to the bike. The suspect first told police it was his, then said it was a friend’s. Police checked with that friend, who told officers McBride had gone into his backyard without his knowledge and taken the bike.

McBride was charged with two counts each of burglary and theft. He was remanded to Burlington County Jail in default of $40,000 bail.