Credit: Bensalem police
A Bristol Township man was arrested Wednesday after officers caught him stealing copper wire from a commercial office building while accompanied by an 11-year-old girl, Bensalem Township police said.
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James Harkless-Dechellis, 41, of the Croydon section of Bristol Township, was charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, and corruption of minors. Harkless-Dechellis was arraigned by District Judge Joseph Falcone and he was jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $150,000 bail.
Bensalem Township police said they responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a commercial building on the 3100 block of Tremont Avenue at approximately 12:29 p.m.
Officers discovered a shattered side glass door that had been forced open, police said.
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While searching the interior of the building, officers heard noises and discovered Harkless-Dechellis in a rear equipment room. He was cutting and removing copper wiring, police said.
The 41-year-old man was taken into custody without incident, police said.
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Inside the building, investigators recovered numerous tools alongside containers filled with previously cut wire, according to police.
Harkless-Dechellis admitted to entering the building with the intent to steal the copper wire for resale, police said.
Officers said they learned Harkless-Dechellis had brought the 11-year-old girl with him and instructed her to hold a flashlight while he cut the wire.
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.
