Shawn Eldridge, 46, of East Patchogue, was arrested on Tuesday,...

Shawn Eldridge, 46, of East Patchogue, was arrested on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, and charged with burglary and possession of burglar tools after he was found hiding in the basement of an unoccupied home in East Patchogue, police said. Credit: SCPD

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.

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa speaks with members of an elite Long Island-based search team about one of their most challenging rescue missions. Credit: Anthony Florio

'It was only us in that ship out there' NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa speaks with members of an elite Long Island-based search team about one of their most challenging rescue missions.

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa speaks with members of an elite Long Island-based search team about one of their most challenging rescue missions. Credit: Anthony Florio

'It was only us in that ship out there' NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa speaks with members of an elite Long Island-based search team about one of their most challenging rescue missions.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME