Residents Held Door Shut on Would-Be Burglars: Police

An attempted burglary at a Lower Saucon Township home early Sunday was thwarted by people inside who held a door and a window shut as would-be intruders tried to kick the door down, police said.

The would-be invaders shut off electricity and cut telephone wires to the house at 1767 Railroad Lane, according to court papers.

But the victims were still able to call police, provide the identities of two of the three alleged intruders, and give a description of the pickup truck they drove away in, police said.

Arrested were Paul Ryan Ortiz, 23, of 849 Rockland St., Bethlehem, and Drew W. Evans, 27, and Kyle R. Evans, 25, both of 1604 Knollwood Road, Lower Saucon Township.

Drew Evans did not surrender to police willingly after the vehicle stop, police said. He exited the truck and tried to run away, but was apprehended after police deployed a taser to stop him in his tracks.

There was nothing in the affidavit of probable cause to explain what may have motivated the men to attempt the home invasion.

All three men are facing felony counts of criminal attempt, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, as well as a summary charge of criminal trespass.

Additionally, Drew Evans is facing charges of fleeing or eluding a police officer and possessing the instruments of a crime. Kyle Evans is also being charged with criminal mischief and possessing the instruments of a crime.

Police said Drew and Kyle Evans had screwdrivers, pliers and a flat bar, which they allegedly used in trying to commit the burglary.

Drew and Kyle Evans were both committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Ortiz, who was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, was committed to prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

All three men were arraigned before District Judge Roy Manwaring of Bethlehem.