Armed homeowner surprises would-be thief, holds suspect till police arrive

Nicholas Closson (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - Police say a transient trying to break into a May Street home on Wednesday was caught in the act by the homeowner who was armed and held the man till police arrived to take him into custody.

Police got involved around 2:30 p.m., when they responded to the address for a report of a male lying on the ground with another male standing over him holding a gun.

Apparently the suspect who had allegedly been trying to break into the residence was the one on the ground.

When police arrived they learned the resident had just returned home and witnessed someone on his porch trying to break in. The armed resident confronted the male, who initially fled but later got on the ground when he was shown the firearm.

A neighbor then assisted detaining the suspect until police arrived.

As a result of the incident, Police arrested Nicholas Closson, 37, listed as transient, for Possession of Burglary Tools (Misdemeanor), Loitering/Prowling (Violation) and Attempted Theft by Unauthorized Taking (Misdemeanor).

Closson was bailed and released on personal recognizance and scheduled to be arraigned in September in Rochester District Court.