Crime & Safety

62-Year-Old Long Island Man Subdues Intruder Until Cops Arrive

A 62-year-old Nassau County man subdued an intruder until police arrived Monday, police said.

Joseph Roepke, 21, of Shelter Lane was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary.
Joseph Roepke, 21, of Shelter Lane was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary. (Nassau County Police Department)

LEVITTOWN, NY — Police have arrested a Levittown man in connection with a burglary. A 62-year-old man returned to his home around 11:45 a.m. Monday to find his kitchen window and screen had been damaged, Nassau County police said.

When the resident walked upstairs, he found a man rifling through the drawers of his son's dresser, police said. The son's television had also been damaged.

The two struggled when the resident confronted the intruder, who was carrying his son’s backpack and video gaming console. The resident was able to subdue the intruder until police could arrive.

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Joseph Roepke, 21, of Shelter Lane was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary. He was expected in court Tuesday in Hempstead.

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