Would-Be Home Burglar Caught In The Act On Ring Camera: Police

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Police say a man is in custody following a terrifying early morning attempted home break-in that was stymied in part by a home security camera.

At 6:02 a.m., New Rochelle police got a call reporting a burglary in progress at a home on Lispenard Avenue. The victim, who had previously been burglarized by the same suspect in August of last year, noticed suspicious activity on her Ring security camera, authorities said. The footage appeared to show that same suspect attempting to break into her home again.

As the suspect forced entry through a lower window, knocking an air conditioning unit out of the way, the victim and her daughter, who were home alone at the time, called 911.

Police arrived moments later.

Responding units quickly set up a perimeter around the home. Police spotted the suspect inside the home and gave him commands to surrender. The suspect, later identified as Francis Voltaire, who was exiting through the same lower window, was then apprehended.

The already victim had an active Temporary Order of Protection (TOP) against the suspect from the previous burglary in August 2023. The 23-year-old New Rochelle man reportedly believed his grandmother had once lived at the victim’s residence, although there is no direct relationship between the two.

At this time, police say, the exact intent of the suspect remains unclear. Police are continuing to investigate. Voltaire remains in custody as the investigation continues. He was arrested for felony burglary and felony contempt.