By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Kenton County police say they have broken up a theft ring responsible for stealing thousands of dollars worth of property from homes across Northern Kentucky.

Two Kenton County adults and two juveniles have been arrested after a homeowner confronted several people trying to steal an all-terrain vehicle from a rural Kenton County home early Monday.

John Rizzo, 38, of the 1700 block of Bird Road in Kenton County, was charged with one count of receiving stolen property over $300 and four counts of theft over $300. Dennis Doyle, 18, of the same address, was charged with two counts of theft over $300. Rizzo and Doyle have pleaded not guilty to the felony charges.

Both juveniles were charged with one count of receiving stolen property over $300.

Lt. Col. Ed Butler, Kenton County police spokesman, said a break in the case came at 2 a.m. Monday when Marcus Fehler was awakened at his home in the 12000 block of Martin Road in southern Kenton County by a noise outside his window. He said when he looked outside he saw three people loading his brother's ATV into a pickup truck.

Marcus Fehler said he and his brother Matthew got into their pickup truck and followed the burglars. The brothers caught up with them at Bird Road and Wynwood Trails in southern Kenton County.

Matthew Fehler jumped out of the pickup and confronted the burglars. They sped off, nearly running over him. Marcus Fehler continued to chase the suspects in his pickup while his brother went to a residence to call police.

Marcus lost the burglars near the Pendleton County line, but not before they pushed the stolen ATV from their pickup.

Using information gathered from the bungled burglary attempt, Kenton County police detectives Tuesday served a search warrant at the Rizzos' residence. During the search, stolen ATVs, car stereos, stereo equipment, lawn equipment, a trailer and antique furniture were recovered, police said.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com