Neighbors say home intruder ‘picked the wrong house'

PENN HILLS, Pa. — Neighbors said they're not surprised that a father and son caught a home intruder in the act early Wednesday morning in Penn Hills.

Authorities said the homeowner and his son were awakened around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday by unusual noises.

According to police, when they went downstairs to investigate, they found 33-year-old Larry Spiewak climbing through a window.

Tony Buzzelli, who owns Universal Pizza on Main Street in Penn Hills, said he's not surprised that the man and his son tackled Spiewak and held him until police arrived.

"There's been a lot of stuff going on around here. I don't know what's going on. I've been here about six years and it's gotten crazier since I've been here," Buzzelli said.

Universal Pizza is just two doors down from where the attempted break-in happened. Buzzelli said he knows the homeowner, and he thinks Spiewak picked the wrong house.

"(The homeowner) is that kind of man. He's a big, rugged guy and he's tough. He's a Harley-Davidson biker. He's a good guy, though," Buzzelli said.

Spiewak was taken to the hospital to be checked out for bumps and bruises before police took him to jail. He was charged with attempted burglary, loitering and prowling.

WPXI