Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of a New York City man on criminal charges stemming from unlawful entry into a Garrison home. At about 12:42 p.m. on July 8, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Hudson River Lane.  The homeowner said that when she came home, she smelled something burning.  Entering the kitchen, she observed the dishwasher running.  Continuing through the house, she found an intruder asleep on a recliner, whereupon she called 9-1-1. 
       Sheriff’s officers and state troopers entered the residence and confronted the suspect.  He told officers he had taken a train to Garrison and walked along the railroad tracks to Manitou. According to the offficers, he entered the residence, made himself pancakes and cereal, placed the dishes in the dishwasher and fell asleep in the easy chair.  They said that a search of his clothing revealed he was in possession of the homeowner’s jewelry. 
       The suspect, identified as 29-year-old William J. Townsend of  Bergen Street, Brooklyn, was charged with burglary in the second degree (a class “C” violent felony). Townsend was arraigned before Philipstown Town Justice Steven Tomann and ordered held at the Putnam County Correctional Facility without bail. If convicted of the burglary charge, Townsend may face jail time of up to 15 years.

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