Tension mounts after Christy break-in at eatery
After being caught on surveillance cameras as he burglarized a Still Creek restaurant late Friday, federal fugitive Shawn Christy is proving he's capable of breaking into properties daily and not getting caught.
And that reality is making life tense for many residents of Tamaqua, Hometown and Still Creek.
"I feel like I can’t enjoy my backyard with a campfire because you don’t know where he is," says Jean Tyson of Tamaqua . "My doors are locked and windows."
McAdoo native Christy, 27, is wanted for making threats to harm President Donald Trump and Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli. He is believed to be traveling afoot and living in the wilderness of Rush Township, possibly in woods lining near Ben Titus Road or Fairview Street.
On Thursday, police say, Christy broke into a residence along Ben Titus Road hours after abandoning a stolen vehicle at Tide Road in Hometown.
Then, at 10:20 p.m. Friday, an apparently hungry Christy entered Skipper Dippers Dairy Bar and Grill at the corner of Route 309 and Fairview Street in Still Creek. The restaurant had just closed at 10 p.m.
"He was here for about 45 minutes, wandering around and eating," said owner Bob Agosti on Sunday.
Agosti discovered the burglary early Saturday. Agosti immediately contacted authorities, then eventually cleaned up the place and took inventory of losses. He said the employees are understandably nervous because of the situation
"At closing, they leave together.
Warnings issued
Immediately after the burglary, the Rush Township board of supervisors issued another online warning to residents: PLEASE STAY VIGILANT. Keep your eyes open and report anyone you don't recognize to the 911 center. His appearance and clothes are more like the picture put out yesterday of him in a store. Residents, please watch out for each other! This posting is purely informational in an attempt to keep the residents of Rush Township updated."
Authorities say Christy is accused of stealing guns from a family member’s home in Drums, Luzerne County, and is considered armed and dangerous.
Those warnings are making life uncomfortable for many.
"We make sure all the doors and windows are locked," said Donna Lech of Still Creek. "Also we 'carry' everywhere we go. We leave the spotlights on behind our house at night and check all of the security cameras more often."
Another said it just seems like Christy knows his capture is inevitable.
"It's a darn shame. People who feel comfortable enough in their own home now have to lock windows and doors," said Patty Price Forster of Tamaqua. "Why doesn't he give him self up. It's like he wants to get caught. Why else would he be hanging around taunting the police?"
1-877-926-8332) or the FBI at 215 -418-4000.
A rural Tamaqua resident suggested a different approach might be more effective.
"Call the National Guard in to sweep him out," said Karen Moyer. "He is on foot. He threatened the president. So get military involved not the state police."
Another Tamaqua resident with family living in Still Creek said he takes precautions but feels Christy likely isn't out to hurt.
"We lock the doors but at this moment he isn't really a major threat," said Tom Leshko. "He has a slight mental issue with government. His break-ins are just for food, not to harm, it seems. I hope they capture him alive and get him the help he needs."
Multiple warrants
In addition to allegedly making the threats, Christy is the subject of multiple state arrest warrants in Pennsylvania for burglary, probation violation, and failure to appear for an aggravated assault case.
Some feel the situation is volatile and could escalate quickly.
"People are so trusting in our area, thinking things like this happen somewhere else," said Ruth Raymond of Andreas. "They need to realize we live in a different world void of the values we grew up with."
Christy is white, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 160 pounds, has a tattoo of a cross on his right upper arm, short dark blond hair and a full beard as seen in surveillance video from Skipper Dippers. He speaks with a detectable lisp.
Federal authorities are offering a cash award of up to $20,000 for information leading to the direct arrest of Christy. Any information will be considered confidential. Persons having information should contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-Wanted-2 (
Caption: Police say fugitive Shawn Christy gained access to Skipper Dippers Dairy Bar and Grill after 10 p.m. closing on Friday. Once inside, he was caught on video spending about 45 minutes eating and wandering around the facility, according to owner Bob Agosti. DONALD R. SERFASS/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS