Resident Takes Down Burglar, Police Say

A Broomall resident stopped a burglar from stealing from his home recently, according to Marple Township Police.

Joshua McCracken, 26, of Newtown Square, was arrested and charged in connection with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, simple assault and other related offense, according to court documents.

On Sept. 30 at about 7:38 p.m., police were responding to the unit block of Pleasant Road in Broomall for a report of a burglary when they received an update to the call that the burglary was in progress and men were fighting in front of the home, according to police. 

Police arrived to find two residents detaining McCracken on the ground, according to police, and the homeowner told police McCracken had been inside his house. 

The homeowner told police that his belongings were in the back of a GMC Safari van, which was loaded with a variety of household goods, parked in front of his house, according to police.

McCracken was arrested and placed in a police vehicle and repeatedly yelled about two other men who ran away and had his cell phone, according to police.

Marple Police Chief Tom Murray said no additional arrests have been made however the investigation is ongoing.

McCracken told police that the van was his work van and owned by his boss, according to police. The van was towed from scene. 

McCracken is currently lodged in Delaware County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $50,000 bail, according to court documents. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 10.