Patchogue, NY (SmithtownRadio.com) – Suffolk County Police arrested a man out of jail on parole after an alert neighbor noticed the man leaving the rear of an elderly neighbor’s Patchogue residence with a backpack Friday.
Anthony Mendolia entered a home on Central Avenue through a rear door and stole assorted jewelry from within, police say. A neighbor, who was checking on the elderly resident’s house, observed Mendolia leaving the rear yard with a backpack at approximately 11:50 a.m. Mendolia ran away several blocks after observing the suspicious neighbor. The neighbor called 911 and provided a description to responding 5th Precinct officers.
Police Officer Marc Sforza observed the subject a short distance away. When Mendolia saw the officer he again fled on foot through several yards. Assisting Officers Jeremy Fanning, Edward Ryby and Charles Teufel were able to locate and subdue Mendolia a short distance away. Mendolia was taken into custody about 13 minutes after the initial 911 call.
Mendolia was found in possession of several thousand dollars’ worth of jewelry which was taken from the residence. The homeowner identified the items, many of which were irreplaceable family heirlooms. Mendolia was also in possession of rubber gloves, a pry bar and a hypodermic needle.
Mendolia, 27, of Lindenhurst, was charged with burglary 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree, Possession of Burglar’s Tools and Criminal Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument. He is also wanted for a violation of a parole warrant.
Mendolia is being held overnight at the 5th Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on August 4.
