COLUMBIA, Pa. – A Lancaster County family returned from vacation Sunday morning only to discover a stranger had made himself at home in their house while they were away.
Columbia Borough Police say Zachary Jock broke into a home along the 400 block of North Third Street. Police responded to scene just before noon, and arrested Jock. Investigators say the suspect was in the house for at least two days and was wearing clothing that belonged to the homeowner and his girlfriend when taken into custody. The accused burglar also had a backpack on him that held several items from the victims.
Jock is also accused of eating the family’s food and sleeping on the first floor of their house. The homeowner told police that their furniture had been moved around the house, and their belongings, valued at about $2,800, were missing. Police say Jock also caused $1,075 in damage to items in the home.
The victims say they found pills, alcohol and cigarettes that did not belong to them in the house.
Jock was taken to central arraignment after being charged with one felony count of burglary, a felony count of theft, a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief and two misdemeanor counts of prohibited acts.
