COLESVILLE, NY — A man is facing burglary charges after allegedly breaking into a residence to steal copper piping while the homeowners were out of town.
Broome County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at a residence on Yarnes Road at approximately 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Neighbors reported that the homeowners were out of town for the winter and that no one should be at the house, despite noticing fresh footprints leading from the vehicle to the residence.
Investigation revealed that the suspicious vehicle, a black Ford Taurus, was registered to Christopher J. West, 44, of Deposit, New York.
Responding deputies were able to make contact with the homeowner, who confirmed that no one had permission to be at the residence.
Deputies identified and followed the fresh set of footprints leading to the rear basement entryway, which was found to have been broken.
West was located in the basement and complied with verbal commands as he was taken into custody without incident.
During the investigation, numerous sections of copper water pipes were found to have been cut out of the basement ceiling, and a pry bar and pipe cutter were found in West’s possession.
West was charged with burglary in the second degree, a class C felony; criminal mischief in the third degree, a class E felony; and possession of burglar tools, a class A misdemeanor.
He was processed and brought before central arraignment and remains in custody at the Broome County Correctional Facility.
