Crime & Safety
Burglar Claimed He Was Going to Surprise Party, Police Say
Bethlehem Township man accused of breaking into two Palmer homes.
A Bethlehem Township man is facing burglary charges in Palmer Township, where he allegedly told a boy who caught him breaking into his home last month that he was there for a surprise party.
Joseph Starace, 28, of the 2900 block of Hope Road, is also accused of trying to break into his father's house on Wednesday.
He was arraigned Wednesday night before on duty District Judge Jacqueline Taschner on charges of burglary and criminal trespass, and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.
According to court records, police responded to a home on the 2600 block of Farmhouse Court after Starace was allegedly spotted in the back yard.
Police say Starace told the officer he was there to get gas for his lawnmower, but Starace's father told police his son wasn't supposed to be on the property when no one was home.
Scarace allegedly had a screwdriver, a putty knife and gloves in his pocket. Police say they found pry marks on the doors of the home, and some of the screens had been cut.
In the earlier incident, police say Starace broke into a home on the 2700 block of Fleetwood Street. An 11-year-old boy was home at the time. When he confronted Starace, Starace allegedly said he was there for a surprise party.
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