Two Arrested in Niagara Falls Burglary Claim Preservation Group Sent Them

Two men were arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly breaking into the former Native American Center for the Living Arts, also known as the "Turtle," in Niagara Falls, NY. One of the suspects told police he had been sent by a preservation group to document the building’s interior.

Niagara Falls police responded to a burglary alarm at the Turtle building around 12:40am. Upon arrival, officers spotted two men dressed in dark clothing walking away from the site. The suspects, one from Buffalo and the other from North Tonawanda, were stopped and detained for questioning.

A representative for the property accompanied officers on a walkthrough of the building and discovered an exterior door had been left unlocked. However, no signs of damage were found. Surveillance footage later confirmed that the two men had entered and walked throughout the building.

After being identified as the individuals inside, one of the men expressed remorse, telling officers, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t do any graffiti. I was told they were going to demolish the building and was sent here by Buffalo Preservation to walk in and record the inside of the building, so I did.”

Despite his explanation, both suspects were charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglar tools.

The incident remains under investigation. Niagara Falls Police are working to determine whether the suspects had any legitimate affiliation with a preservation group or if their actions were unauthorized.

Two Arrested in Niagara Falls Burglary Claim Preservation Group Sent Them