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Horsham Township Police arrested a local man after discovering him inside a vacant home on Lower State Road that had been previously reported as burglarized, according to police.
Andrew Joseph Praul, 31, of the 300 block of Horsham Road in Hatboro, is facing multiple felony charges stemming from the incident.
According to police, the incident began on Monday, Nov. 3, at approximately 5:07 p.m., when officers responded to the 400 block of Lower State Road to meet with a complainant who reported signs of a possible burglary. The complainant, who manages the property on behalf of a law firm holding power of attorney, told officers that he periodically checks on the vacant home.
Over the weekend, the complainant said he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle in the driveway and visible damage to the garage door. Upon entering the home, he found items moved around, lights turned on, the heat running, and the interior garage door unlocked, according to police.
At the complainant's request, officers conducted a sweep of the residence. No one was found inside. However, police and the complainant discovered a number of items that did not belong to the property, including a newer couch, multiple televisions, gaming consoles, and various personal belongings. The garage door appeared to have been forcibly damaged, creating a hole large enough for someone to enter the property.
Police discovered documents located in the upstairs bedroom belonging to Praul as the possible intruder. The complainant informed police that Praul had been hired roughly six months earlier to maintain the lawn, but was never granted permission to enter or use the home.
A nearby witness told police she had seen a white male entering and exiting the property several times over the past two days and provided video evidence showing the man moving items inside and securing the garage door. Police advised the complainant to secure the property and ensure all lights were turned off before leaving.
The following morning, on Nov. 4 at around 7:01 a.m., Horsham Police returned to the home and observed a light on inside. The complainant confirmed that all lights had been off the previous evening. Officers entered the residence with the complainant's permission and announced their presence.
Police reported hearing footsteps on the second floor and gave verbal commands for the individual to come out. Officers then detained a male who appeared to have been sleeping inside the home, dressed in sweatpants and carrying a hooded sweatshirt.
The man was identified as Praul, the same individual previously connected to the incident. The complainant positively identified Praul as the landscaper employed to maintain the exterior of the property.
Police took Praul into custody and transported him to the Horsham Police Station for processing.
No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13, at 11:15 am before Judge Todd Stephens.
Praul is facing a felony charge of burglary.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
