Crime & Safety

Closet Burglar Fought Cops, Police Say

What he's accused of stealing is unusual but valuable.

NYACK, NY — A Depew Avenue resident surprised a burglar in his living-room closet Tuesday afternoon. The man ran out, grabbed a backpack and fled, the resident told Orangetown police after calling 911.

He gave police a description. Officers located a man fitting that description on a nearby street. Approached, the man became combative, police alleged, fighting with the officers attempting to place him under arrest.

What was in the backpack? Copper plumbing fittings. The homeowner is having renovations done and identified the fittings as his.

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Police allege they also found a debit card that had been reported stolen by a Clarkstown resident, and three glass pipes containing marijuana.

Thomas V. Brenner, 27, faces a handful of charges:

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  • Third-degree burglary, a felony
  • Fourth-degree possession of stolen property, felony
  • Fifth-degree possession of stolen property, misdemeanor
  • Resisting arrest, misdemeanor
  • Unlawful posssession of marijuana, violation
  • Disorderly conduct, violation

He was arraigned in Nyack Village Court and sent to the Rockland County Jail on $10,000 bail.

PHOTO: Thomas Brenner/ Orangetown police

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