Police Arrest Burglary Suspect

Escaping Through Home Window

ONEONTA – A “highly intoxicated” 21 year old was arrested after police caught him climbing out of the window of an Elm Street home where they had responded to a burglary call in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 8.

Paul A. Dorego Jr., 21, of Sag Harbor, was arrested after police responded to a call of a burglary in process.  “When the officers arrived, the homeowners were standing outside,” said Oneonta Police Lt. Douglas Brenner.  “They said the suspect was still inside, and the officers heard a noise around the side of the house.  When they went to investigate, the saw the suspect climbing out the window.”

Police discovered Dorego exiting through a first floor window, and he resisted arrest as the officers took him into custody.  He was visibly intoxicated when police arrested him.

Though nothing in the home was taken, the investigation found that Dorego had entered the residence through the back door, breaking two panels of glass and opening the door from inside.  He also broke the screen of a third window as he attempted to exit. “It’s still a burglary, even though he didn’t take anything,” said Brenner.  “The crime he committed was breaking those windows to enter.”

He was charged with two felonies, Burglary in the second degree, and Criminal Mischief in the third degree.  He was also charged with resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor.  If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.