Forgotten keys lead cops to Pa. burglary suspect

[February 10, 2009]  UPPER DARBY, Pa. (AP) -- Police investigating a theft from a suburban Philadelphia pharmacy say the suspect helped them by leaving his keys dangling from the trunk of his car.

Police in Upper Darby say they found stolen drugs and a gym bag with 43-year-old Thomas Ferkler's name and address in the trunk.

Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood says investigators were initially stumped by the Feb. 1 theft of about $400,000 worth of drugs. The burglar had disabled alarm and surveillance systems.

But Ferkler's neighbor saw the car keys left for several days and notified authorities. Ferkler was arrested Friday and held in jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Defense lawyer John Neumann Hickey says he has discussed the matter with his client only briefly.

[Associated Press]

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