Belle Vernon man charged in string of burglaries
A Belle Vernon man was charged in a Washington Township burglary spree that ended when a resident caught him in his house.
Police allege that Joshua James Steele, 32, began the spree by stealing an AK-47, 22-caliber revolver and a TV from 307 Spiker Ave. on June 15.
The next day, he allegedly stole a Winchester 1300 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun and a Mossberg rifle from another Washington Township, Fayette County, home. He then allegedly cut off the barrel of the shotgun.
On June 18, he allegedly broke into a residence at 1151 Connellsville St. after breaking into the basement window. Police said he stole a 22-caliber revolver, jewelry and a Kindle.
He then allegedly broke into a house and garage at 117 Gillispie Hollow Road, with a steel bar. He was caught by resident Greg Hamer.
Washington Township police Chief Carl Fronzaglio arrested Steele. He was charged in four separate cases.
Steele is facing 14 felony charges in the four cases, including burglary and illegal weapons charges. He is awaiting arraignment in the first two cases.
He was charged in the second two cases and lodged in Fayette County Prison in lieu of an $85,000 bond.