A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after allegedly bringing his girlfriend's 11-year-old daughter along to assist him during a burglary. James Harkless-Dechellis, 41, of Croydon, was caught by Bensalem Police on Wednesday afternoon while cutting copper wiring inside an office building in the 3100 block of Tremont Avenue.
According to a Facebook post from the Bensalem Police Department, officers responded to reports of a robbery in progress around 12:30 p.m. They found the front door shattered and forced open. Inside, they discovered Harkless-Dechellis in an equipment room with the young girl. He admitted to instructing the child to hold a flashlight while he removed copper wiring, authorities said.
Harkless-Dechellis also told officers that he entered the building with the intent to steal the wiring for resale. Investigators found multiple tools and containers filled with previously cut wire inside the building.
He has been charged with burglary, corruption of minors, and related offenses. His bail was set at 10 percent of $150,000, but he was unable to post it and was subsequently taken to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
Bensalem police commended the quick response and investigative efforts of their officers, which led to the safe apprehension of the suspect and prevented further damage to the property.
