East Patchogue man cut copper pipes from unoccupied home, police say

An East Patchogue man was arrested Tuesday after Suffolk police said he entered an unoccupied home and cut copper pipes.

Police said Shawn Eldridge, 46, was charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglar tools after he was found hiding in the basement of the unoccupied home in East Patchogue on South Dunton Avenue.

Police had been called to the home after neighbors noticed a suspicious man near the house who was wearing a backpack. Fifth Precinct Patrol Officers Matthew DeMatteo and Kevin Yoli responded to the home and found Eldridge in the basement, police said.

Eldridge will be held overnight at the Fifth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday.