February 13, 2017
Authorities at the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg have arrested a Gettysburg man who they say broke into the facility overnight Sunday and proceeded to destroy thousands of dollars worth of items.
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services announced charges Monday against 27-year-old Ryan Stump, who allegedly entered the Capitol through a first-floor window at approximately 1:45 on Sunday morning. After entering on the House side of the Main Capitol, Stump allegedly went to the Senate side and discharged a fire extinguisher to destroy three visitor signs and several historical portraits.
At one point, a Senate officer heard Stump throw a sign and called Pennsylvania Capitol Police, who were able to apprehend him after a brief foot chase.
Stump was taken to the Dauphin County Booking Center and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, institutional vandalism, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
A Capitol Police spokesperson told the York Daily Record that Stump had an "extreme odor" of alcohol on his breath and that the rampage appears to have been precipitated by an argument with his girlfriend.
Stump posted $25,000 bail and was later released.
Damage estimates at the Capitol range from $10,000 to $30,000.
