Freedom Township Woman Returns Home to Find Burglar

A New York man is behind bars after police said he stole his roommate’s medication and then broke into a Freedom Township home.

On the morning of Oct. 7, police were called to a residence in Freedom Township after the owner returned home to find Michael J. Barilla, 47, of Cazenobia, NY, in her house.

Police said Barilla began screaming and threatening the resident and accused her of stealing his dog. Police noted that there was no connection between the victim and Barilla.

Police said Barilla had called police earlier to report his dog missing.

During its investigation, police learned that Barilla was staying with a friend in East Freedom and when police went to the apartment to question Barilla, they discovered the dog inside the apartment.

When police questioned Barilla’s roommate, they learned that Barilla had taken the roommate’s medication without permission.

Barilla was charged with felony burglary and criminal trespass along with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

He was arraigned by Tyrone Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller and committed to the Blair County Prison on $250,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21 in front of Martinsburg Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger.