Wrong House, Wrong Night: Burglary Charge Follows Dispute

Michael Klingenfmith
Michael Klingenfmith /Submitted Image

NEWARK, DE — A Pennsylvania man is facing burglary and criminal mischief charges after police say a dispute that began at a local bar ended with him allegedly entering the wrong residence in a Newark-area neighborhood.

According to the New Castle County Police Department, officers responded at approximately 1:39 a.m. Saturday to a residence in the unit block of Argyle Road in the Robscott Manor community for a report of a burglary in progress.

When officers arrived, police said they found two individuals involved in an altercation in the front yard of a residence and detained both while investigating.

One of the individuals was identified as 35-year-old Michael Klingenfmith of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.

READ:  Copper, Tools, and a Trespass Call Lead to Arrest

According to investigators, Klingenfmith had allegedly been involved in a disagreement with another known individual at a local bar earlier in the evening. Police said he later traveled to Argyle Road intending to confront that person at a residence.

Investigators allege that after arriving on Argyle Road, Klingenfmith broke a rear window and entered a home. Once inside, police said he realized he had entered the wrong residence after being confronted by the homeowner.

According to the investigation, Klingenfmith then allegedly fled to a neighboring property, where he encountered the individual involved in the earlier dispute. Police said an altercation followed and continued until officers arrived.

READ:  Cyber Tip Leads to 85 Felony Charges Against Pennsylvania Man

Klingenfmith was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters and charged with one felony count of second-degree burglary and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief over $1,000.

Court records show he was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released after posting $5,500 secured bail.

All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.