Altoona man charged with burglary of home while owner is in Florida

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Altoona police have charged a man they said broke into a home and took various items while the homeowner was in Florida.

Leonard Bonter, 54, was arrested after police said they were called to a home in the city and spotted him walking down the street with a shopping cart full of books and other items, according to charges filed.

Bonter told police that he and two others had permission to be in the house. He claimed the homeowner allowed them to go in and take books to sell and then split the profits, the criminal complaint reads.

Police noted in the complaint that one of the home doors was broken open, and it looked like it had been kicked in.

According to police, they spoke with the homeowner, and he told them that no one had permission to be in his home while he was in Florida except for his brother. Police said the brother told them he never gave anyone permission and hasn’t even been in the house himself.

Police said that Bonter was searched and found with burnt foil with residue on it and a cut straw with white residue. Bonter allegedly admitted he had smoked methamphetamine earlier in the day.

Bonter was arraigned on burglary, theft, and criminal trespassing charges. He was placed in Blair County Prison with bail set at $50,000

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.