Jun 24, 2010 By Josh Krysak 3 min read

Uniontown police have captured a man accused of trying to break into an occupied home early Monday to steal drugs and money. Officer Jamie L. Holland said Magisterial District Judge Michael M. Metros issued a warrant for the arrest of Brandon Epps, 18, of Uniontown on charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, carrying a firearm without a license, conspiracy to commit theft and recklessly endangering another person.

Shortly after midnight Wednesday, Uniontown police, attempting to serve a warrant on another man in an unrelated matter, discovered Epps at a home on Farragut Street and took him into custody.

Inside the home, Sgt. Jonathan Grabiak said officers found two guns, including a Russian assault rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.

The woman, who is the primary tenant of the residence, did not own the guns and did not know who brought them into her home, police said.

Grabiak said the weapons were seized and added that police are continuing to investigate the incident.

Epps was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Mike Defino Jr. and placed in the Fayette County Prison on $125,000 straight cash bond.

Holland said the warrant for Epps was originally issued after officers were called to 15 Dunkard Ave. shortly before 3 a.m. Monday for a reported break-in.

He said Officer Matthew Painter was the first officer to arrive at the home and spotted a suspect running from the scene.

Painter pursued the suspect, eventually identified as a Uniontown teenager, and took him into custody after he tripped and fell.

Holland said that Thomas Collier of Masontown told police that he called 911 after he observed two people trying to enter his home by pushing in an air-conditioning unit.

Collier told police that he told his girlfriend to go into the bathroom and lock the door and then he heard glass breaking and several gunshots, Holland said.

The teen told police that he and Epps went to the home because they believed that there were drugs and cash inside and intended to steal it, Holland said.

He told investigators that he was supposed to get any money inside the home and Epps was going to take any drugs he found inside.

Holland said that the teen told police that Epps broke into the home and then let him in the front door.

He also told police that Epps fired two rounds from a handgun while inside the residence, Holland said.

No one was injured.

Charges remain pending against the teen, who was not identified.

A preliminary hearing will be held for Epps at a later date before Metros.