JAMESTOWN, NY — A man is facing multiple charges including hate crime burglary after allegedly breaking into a home and attacking occupants on Dec. 19.
Officers responded to an address on the north side of the city at about 2:16 p.m. for a report of a home invasion.
Police said a male had entered the home and was attempting to attack the occupants inside.
The suspect had left the home before officers arrived and was quickly taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was identified as Andrew D. Lecceardone, who allegedly broke a window to gain entry into the home.
Once inside, Lecceardone tried to attack the victim with a pry bar, according to police.
Lecceardone stole property belonging to the victim and committed the crimes in the presence of a child, police said.
After further investigation, police determined that Lecceardone targeted the victim due to his ethnic background.
Lecceardone was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree menacing and second-degree criminal mischief, all as hate crimes.
He was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and petit larceny.
Lecceardone is being held in Jamestown City Jail pending arraignment.
