Charlestown Home Invader, Thief Arrested: Police

CHARLESTOWN, MA — Police arrested a 23-year-old man who may be connected to the recent string of breaking and entering incidents around town.

Abas Bilal of Charlestown was arrested Thursday for an unarmed burglary that took place Aug. 20 near Bunker Hill and Polk St. In that incident, a woman returned home to find Bilal in her residence, police said. He fled on foot, but the victim found her wallet to be missing and purchases made on her credit card.

Police are now investigating if Bilal is responsible for two recent breaking and entering incidents in January - one near Old Ironsides Way in which a woman woke up to being indecently assaulted and one near Decatur Street in which several personal items were stolen. Police said Bilal fits the description and modus operandi and are seeking charges against him in those incidents.

"This arrest comes as a result of an ongoing and meticulous investigation," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said. "My detectives and prosecutors from the District Attorney's office have been working very hard on these cases and I commend their efforts in identifying and arresting this dangerous individual. Charlestown is a safer place today with this suspect under arrest."

Bilal will be arraigned in Charlestown District Court Friday.