Man charged with robbery, assault
LUZERNE TWP.- A New Salem man faces multiple charges after he allegedly broke into a woman’s home and stole items from her purse before fleeing.
State police Trooper Christian Lieberum said Derek Endsley, 21, was charged with robbery, burglary, theft, simple assault and reckless endangerment after he entered the Hopewell Road residence of Deidre Shutz, 39, of Merritstown by crawling through the window.
According to Lieberum, Shutz was awoken around 4:30 a.m. Saturday while Endsley was crawling through the window.
Lieberum said a brief struggle between Shutz and Endsley ensued and that Endsley was able to gain access to the home.
Endsley located Shutz’s purse and another struggle occurred between both people, Lieberum said, noting that Endlsey was able to overpower the woman and took the purse with him as he attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle.
Lieberum said Shutz fought Endsley for the purse again while Endsley was in the vehicle, but that Endsley was allegedly able to take a cell phone and prescription drugs from the purse.
Endsley was arraigned on the charges Saturday. A preliminary hearing will be held at a later date.