Thief Throws Monkey Wrench into Plumbing Plans

Vehicle break-ins continue in the Lower Macungie area, but a recent one may give a clue regarding the thief: They can look for a person with an impressive set of plumbing tools.

Four more thefts from vehicles were reported, including one that yielded an estimated $3,700 in tools. Jeffery Chandler of the 6800 block of Sunflower Lane reported the theft May 6, police said.

The incident also marked a departure from many of the other thefts. In most cases, the victims have unwittingly aided the thieves by leaving vehicles unlocked. But, in this case, the thief smashed a vehicle window to gain entry, police said.

However, another break-in reported the same day also involved a smashed vehicle window at 5854 Shepherd Hills Ave. Police said Joelle Pecci of the 200 block of Adrian St., Emmaus, reported a vehicle break-in and stolen items totaling $3,2140. The items included a credit card, which reportedly was used a short time later to purchase gas at a Hess station in Allentown.

Linda Domingues of the 7500 block of Buttercup Road also reported May 6 that her title was stolen from her vehicle, police said.

The fourth theft was reported May 3. An unnamed 21-year-old Upper Macungie Township woman's purse was stolent from her vehicle parked at 7482 Scenic Drive. Several credit cards were obtained, one of which was used later that night to purchase gas, police said.

Accident injures three

Three people were injured May 22 in a two-vehicle accident in Lower Macungie, state police said.

The accident occurred at 10:10 p.m. when Irene Koufalis of East Texas failed to stop at a red light at Krocks Road and Route 222, police said. She drove into the path of Jorge Mercado of Allentown, who attempted to avoid a collision by swerving. However, Mercado's vehicle struck that of Koufalis, causing disabling damage to both.

Mercado received a moderate leg and facial injury, police said. Police did not detail Koufalis' injury, but said one of her passengers, Theodora Whitby of East Texas, received a moderate injury. All were treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

Koufalis was cited for failing to comply with traffic-control signals, police said.

In other Lower Macungie police incidents:

Arrested: John Flood, 22, of the 4400 block of Kohler Drive, Allentown; May 22 for suspicion of driving under the influence, police said; stopped for equipment and moving violations when found to exhibit signs of impairment.

Charged: Karyn Joan Israel, 56, of Easton; May 22 with retail theft at Kohl's, 6900 Hamilton Blvd.; attempted to take $114 in merchandise, police said.