A Pennsylvania man allegedly admitted to bringing his girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter with him during a break-in at an office building Wednesday.
James Harkless-Dechellis, 41, of Croydon, was caught by Bensalem Police cutting copper wiring inside a building in the 3100 block of Tremont Avenue around 12:30 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the force. Officers responded to reports of a robbery in progress and found the front door shattered and forced open.
Inside, police found Harkless-Dechellis in an equipment room with the preteen. He admitted he had instructed the child to hold a flashlight while he removed copper wiring, authorities said.
Harkless-Dechellis also told the officers that he entered the building intending to steal the wiring for resale, police said. Investigators found multiple tools and containers filled with previously cut wire inside the building.
Harkless-Dechellis has been charged with burglary, corruption of minors and related offenses, the force confirmed.
His bail was set at 10 percent of $150,000, but he was unable to post it and was subsequently taken to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
“We commend the quick response and investigative efforts of our officers that led to the safe apprehension of the suspect and prevented further damage to the property,” Bensalem police said in the post.
