Burglars Hiding In Radnor Twp. Home Found With K-9 Help: Police

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — Two home burglars hung out in a Radnor Township home for a week while its rightful occupants were away, one fleeing out a window when the owner returned only to be tracked down by K-9 officers and a drone, according to Radnor Township Police.

The Radnor Township Police Department said William Quirk, 45, of Broomall, and Nicole DiPietro, 39, of Springfield, are charged in connection with a residential burglary in Wayne on Sunday, police reported.

The burglary victim reported returning to their home in the 200 block of Matsonford Road after a week away and found the home had been ransacked, police said. Radnor Township Police Canine Officer Ryan Collins and K-9 Urrsi were sent to the home and found DiPietro hiding inside the residence, the report said.

Police said Quirk escaped from a second-story window and fled on foot. Lower Merion and Haverford Township Police departments, with another canine team, tracked the fleeing suspect.

Officers found Quirk inside a heavily wooded area and he again fled on foot, according to police reports.

Lower Merion Police used an aerial drone, equipped with thermal imaging technology in the search for Quirk. Police said the drone operator communicated with officers the terrain of the area and provided directional assistance. Lower Merion Police K-9 Edo located Quirk nearby.

Police reported Quirk had minor injuries and was treated at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

While processing the scene, investigators said they found evidence that the two had been occupying the home without permission and engaged in criminal behavior inside the home for almost a full week.

"We are grateful for the assistance of both outside agencies during this incident. This team effort brought immediate closure to those victimized by two truly brazen suspects," said Superintendent of Police Christopher B. Flanagan.

"We are fortunate to have the Canine Team and area resources, who when called upon, were spot on. The usage of the drone is a 21st Century tool that provides a new vantage point for law enforcement during a high-risk situation such as this” Flanagan commented.

Radnor Township Police Det. Thomas J. Schreiber has charged both suspects with burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking and related charges.

Quirk and DiPietro were arraigned before the Honorable Judge Wilden Davis. Both were unable to post bail and remanded to George W. Hill Correctional Facility, police reported.

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