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Police said that a Pine Court resident in Shrub Oak reported that a suspect was attempting to illegally enter a home between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Police also believe that the suspect may have attempted to enter a second residence, shortly thereafter, but was again unsuccessful.
The suspect failed to gain access to either home, according to investigators. He first attempted entry through a rear sliding glass door before attempting to enter through a lower, rear slider door, using a shovel that was left outside by the homeowner in an attempt to pry the door open.
The suspect ran from the property when an alarm was triggered. Police subsequently interviewed neighbors, who reportedly witnessed a suspect in his late teens or early 20s walking from the scene. No threats of harm were made, and no injuries were reported.
According to police, the white male suspect has been described as having an average height and build, while wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, sunglasses and a black backpack. Yorktown police are actively investigating in the area with an assist from Westchester County Aviation and K-9 units.
The incident prompted Lakeland High School, Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School and Benjamin Franklin Elementary School to enter into lockout to enter as a precaution, while classes continued as regularly scheduled. Lockouts were lifted before noon on Thursday.
Police have requested that all homeowners in the area and business owners on East Main Street in Shrub Oak review any video camera surveillance systems beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Anyone with information can contact Det. George Davis at (914) 962-3856 ext. 119, who is serving as the lead investigator.
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