Pennsylvania Man Charged with Criminal Trespass

STONE HARBOR – Stone Harbor Police responded to the 200 Block of 109th Street after a couple awoke to find an unknown male standing at the foot of their bed wearing only a pair of shorts Thursday, July 9 at 4:13 a.m. Children were also asleep in the residence. The unknown male was escorted from the residence by the victim. The victim then observed the male walk down the sidewalk and attempt to enter a neighboring residence and then continue on his way. The victim then lost sight of the subject and notified the police.
Stone Harbor Police responded and checked the area with negative results. The house the suspect was last seen attempting to enter was checked but no access was made as all the doors were locked as confirmed by the homeowner. Sergeant Christopher Palmer contacted the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office for a K-9 dog to assist in the investigation. Cape May County Sheriff’s Office K-9 “West” arrived on scene and began a track from the victim’s house. The dog indicated that a pair of flip flops on the front porch of a nearby house may have been involved in the incident.
Stone Harbor Police made contact with the occupants of this residence and shortly thereafter, determined that Christopher A. Powell, 44, of Wyomissing, Pa., had been inside the victim’s residence without their permission. Powell was placed under arrest for unlicensed entry of a dwelling. Further investigation revealed that Powell made access to the victim’s residence through a rear door.
Powell was transported to the Stone Harbor Police Department where he was processed, charged with the fourth degree crime of criminal trespass, and released.
This matter is pending review by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.