Elmira man arrested after burglary at JCPenney

BIG FLATS, N.Y. ( WETM ) – An Elmira man has been arrested after he allegedly broke into the JCPenney yesterday in Big Flats.

According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, members of the sheriff’s office, along with members of the Horseheads Police Department and the New York State Police, were called to the JCPenney on Wednesday, July 17, for the report of a burglary in progress. West Elmira Police, Elmira Heights Police and the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit also assisted.

After arriving at the scene, deputies say that they found Eric J. Williams, 61, inside the store and took him into custody. Following an investigation into the incident, it was determined that Williams had used a large rock to break through the glass doors of the store and had sustained a cut on his arm as a result.

Williams was taken to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. He was then arrested and charged with burglary in the third degree, a class D felony, and criminal mischief in the third degree, a class E felony, following the incident.

As a result, Williams had his charges read to him in Elmira City Court and was taken to the Chemung County Jail due to previous felony convictions.

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