Published: October 27, 2008 09:50 pm      

Cops nab alleged burglar with aid of postal worker

PORTAGE — The sharp eye and quick response of a worker at the Portage post office with aid by an in-store alarm system aided police in the quick apprehension of an alleged burglar as he left a pharmacy with a bottle of prescription painkillers in hand.

Portage police Chief Ed Miller said one of the officers apprehended James Leroy Heidler Jr., 27, of the 1000 block of Conemaugh Avenue, Portage, shortly after he exited through the broken front window of the Mainline Pharmacy, 617 Main St.

“Our responding officer pulled in front as the individual jumped out of the window,” Miller said Monday. “The individual ran across Main Street, and after a short pursuit he was caught.”

Heidler had in his possession a bottle containing 355 Endocet pills. Endocet is a generic version of Percocet, a painkiller, Miller said.

Heidler is charged with burglary, criminal mischief, theft and drug possession with intent to deliver.

Heidler was arraigned in front of District Judge Rick Varner, Salix, and lodged in the Cambria County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing date has not been set.

Police say Heidler smashed a large display window in the front of the store to gain entry. He used the same window to exit the building.

An employee at the post office located across the street from the pharmacy, who was not identified, observed Heidler going into the building and immediately called police. Once inside the building, Heidler tripped a security alarm system.

Portage police were assisted by Summerhill Township police.