A Philadelphia man charged with entering an elderly Lancaster man’s home with a ruse, then menacing him with a gun, will face charges in Lancaster County Court.
Alberto Merced’s burglary plot on Aug. 19 was foiled when the elderly occupant of a Wabank Street home summoned his son, who fought off the intruder.
On Wednesday, Merced was ordered to be tried in county court on counts of burglary and simple assault. Lancaster city police also added a felony firearms charge, according to Assistant District Attorney J. Alexander Marcinko.
Merced, 29, waived a preliminary hearing at District Judge Adam Witkonis’ office.
He is at Lancaster County Prison on $2.5 million bail.
Merced got inside the home by telling the elderly occupant he was a PPL employee.
Once inside, Merced closed the door and pushed the man to the ground, holding a gun at him. Merced had zip ties and latex gloves in a pocket, according to Marcinko.
The occupant called his son, who was downstairs, and the son was able to corral Merced. Both occupants sustained minor injuries.
City police arrived and arrested Merced. Officer Steven Alexander filed charges.
Merced is presumed innocent.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright