Former Employee Charged in Business Break-In

A Parma Heights man is facing a felony charge for allegedly breaking into the Barking Bullfrog and Master Italian Pizzeria, 19616 West 130th St., Sept. 12.

It was the second break-in at the business in two weeks. Reports show the business was also entered Aug. 31.

No arrests have been made in the first incident.

But in the second, video surveillance footage provided police with evidence to charge Jeremy Gunsalus, 20, a former employee at the business, with breaking and entering.

Gunsalus admitted to the second break-in, said Detective Lt. John Janowski, but has denied involvement in the first one. He has been arraigned in Berea Municipal Court, where an initial appearance is scheduled for Oct. 4. 

After that, the case will go to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

In both incidents, someone broke a glass door during the night at the Bennetts Corner businesses, which are connected and have the same owner.

During the Aug. 31 break-in, the suspect went to the cash register, took $1,574 and left. 

In the Sept. 12 incident, the suspect also went to the cash register, but this time there was no money inside. He left empty-handed.

Janowski said there is no solid evidence to connect Gunsalus — or any other suspect — to the first break-in at this point. He said an investigation is continuing.