Lower Salford Police Photo by James Short.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Halloween.
Lower Salford Township Police have arrested and charged a Philadelphia man with felony criminal trespassing after he allegedly broke into an apartment in the early morning hours after being upset that he was not picked up from the Lansdale Train Station.
Joseph Masya, 46, of the 5400 block of King Sessing Street, must also answer for charges of misdemeanor simple assault and summary offenses of criminal mischief-damaging property and harassment, per charging documents.
Masya is free on $5,000 unsecured bail, per court documents.
At 1:38 a.m. Oct. 31, police were dispatched to Pheasant Run Apartments at 150 Main St. for a report of a man trying to break down the door, police said. Upon arrival, police found signs of forced entry: A broken door frame and a damaged door, per the affidavit.
Masya was found inside the apartment, police said, and he told them that he was supposed to be picked up at 11:30 p.m. at the Lansdale Train Station. When the victim told him she was not picking him up, Masya, police allege, told the victim he was walking to the Lower Salford apartment. Shortly before 1:30 a.m., Masya arrived and began banging on the apartment door, police said.
When no one answered, Masya kicked the door in to gain access to the apartment, police said. Masya told police he lived there, but the victim told them he does not receive mail there and his license address is Philadelphia, police said.
Police said a chair was placed in front of the door for additional security, but he pushed the chair over.
Authorities allege Masya tried to drag the victim into a bedroom to talk and grabbed her when she attempted to leave the apartment prior to police arrival.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 11:15 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Adam T. Katzman.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
