A man was arrested in Manchester after what police described as a housebreaking incident that left a teenage girl shaken. Reports say the teen discovered an intruder inside her home, who was later identified as twenty-seven-year-old Andre McKenzie, from the area of Fosmore Drive in May Pen, Clarendon.
According to reports, McKenzie faces charges of housebreaking with intent and malicious destruction of property, and his court date is currently being finalised.
The charges stem from an incident on February 7 at a residence along Grove Road in Mandeville. According to reports, her mother left her home alone. Before her mother left the house, she made sure the premises were properly locked. However, the intruder managed to gain access to the house. It is likely that the intruder believed the house was empty.
Investigators reported that during the afternoon, the 15-year-old girl became uneasy after hearing suspicious noises inside the house. While checking the source of the disturbance, she reportedly encountered an unknown man inside the bathroom.
The discovery prompted the frightened teen to raise an alarm, causing the intruder to make a quick escape. Police said he dashed through a window before assistance arrived.
A subsequent police probe indicated that the intruder had likely taken a ladder that was seemingly left on the property, climbed up the ladder and then through the window to gain entry. During the break-in, the intruder reportedly destroyed a surveillance camera on the premises. Police said the cost of the camera is about $8,000.
Later that day, members of the Manchester Policing Division captured McKenzie and brought him into custody. Days later, on February 9, McKenzie reportedly confessed to the housebreaking. His admission was issued in a caution statement while two justices of the peace were present, according to police.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities prepare the matter for the court process.
