DNA from Glove Leads to Arrest in Burglary, Cops Say

Falls Township police were able to charge a man for a 2011 burglary after DNA testing came back.

According to police, Phillip Hewitt, 36, of Morrisville Borough, is charged with breaking into a home in the 100 block of Hedgerow Drive in the Morrisville section of Falls in January 2013. There was speculation from the victim’s that Hewitt did it, but police said they could not confirm it until DNA tests came back and traced skin cells in a glove found at the scene to Hewitt.

In January 2011, Officer Brian Fisher went to the Hedgerow Drive home and spotted footprints coming and going from the house. The footprints lead to a rear door that had a broken window, which then allowed the door to be unlocked and entry made into the house, police said.

Inside the home, police said they found a metal gas can they suspect was used to break the glass. According to court papers filed by Detective Stephen Reeves, several items in the house were misplaced and $400 cash was missing from a desk.

The residents of the Hedgerow Drive home immediately suspected Hewitt, who was the ex-girlfriend of the homeowners, court papers say.

Police said they spoke with Hewitt a few weeks after the burglary and he “denied having an involvement.” He also submitted to an oral DNA swab, they added.

The black winter glove used to obtain DNA evidence was found in a second-floor area, court papers say.

Hewitt was arraigned on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft. receiving stolen property and criminal mischief on Sunday night. He was released Monday on $5,000 bail.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.