Two charged in taking
cat, purse from balcony
Two people face criminal charges after a woman reported seeing a man "swoop down like a bird" and land on her balcony to retrieve a cat and a purse, according to Plains Twp. police.
Greg C. Thompson, 56, and Jean Dipierdominico, 54, both of Plains Twp., are facing charges in connection with the incident about 11:50 p.m. Sunday at 39 Jones St.
Plains Twp. police say resident Brenda Ragugini reported she was in her bedroom on the second floor when she heard a loud thump on her balcony. She then saw Mr. Thompson, the upstairs tenant, "swoop down like a bird" onto her balcony, police said.
Police went upstairs and confronted Mr. Thompson, who said Ms. Ragugini had kicked out Ms. Dipierdominico, who is Ms. Ragugini's sister, and that Ms. Dipierdominico had asked him to get her purse and cat, according to police.
Mr. Thompson said he wrapped a thick cable wire around his waist and climbed down onto Ms. Ragugini's balcony, according to police.
Police charged Mr. Thompson with criminal attempt to commit criminal trespass and criminal solicitation to commit loitering and prowling at night. Ms. Dipierdominico is charged with criminal solicitation to commit criminal trespass.
Magisterial District Judge Ronald W. Swank arraigned both on Monday morning and released them on $3,000 unsecured bail. Preliminary hearings were set for 8:45 a.m. June 11.
Contact the writer: jhalpin@citizensvoice.com