Authorities say a parolee was taken into custody after residents in the town of Covert were told to shelter in place early-Thursday.
Seneca County Sheriff Tim Luce says that on Thursday a little before 5 a.m. the 911 Center received a call for a burglary in progress at a residence on Route 96 in Covert.
Upon arrival, deputies say the suspect had fled the scene on foot into a wooded area. The suspect was also believed to be armed.
A shelter in place alert was sent out to residents in the area, and a search ensued. A second burglary was discovered at a neighboring residence.
By 8 a.m. the suspect, identified as Leandre Lovett, age 29, of Ithaca was taken into custody.
A stolen handgun was also recovered in close proximity to the scene.
Lovett was charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, criminal trespass, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal mischief.
He was held at the Seneca County Correctional Facility. Luce confirmed that Lovett is currently on parole.
The New York State Police, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, Ithaca Police Department, and Trumansburg Police Department assisted in the investigation.
If any residents in the Town of Covert would like to report any suspicious activity or additional information in relation to this case, they are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (315) 220-3240.
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