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EDWARDSVILLE — A homeless man was arraigned Tuesday on charges he pushed in a window air conditioner and climbed into a residence on Plymouth Street to confront an ex-girlfriend.

Matthew J. Ward, 31, was found arguing with Nicole James in a second-floor bedroom at about 10 p.m. Monday, authorities report.

According to a criminal complaint:

Homeowner Marie Gullo told police she heard her granddaughter, James, arguing with Ward in a bedroom. Gullo said Ward was not welcome at her residence.

James told police she was in a bathroom when her friend, Sara Koonrad, yelled that Ward pushed in a window air conditioner and climbed inside. James then confronted Ward, yelling at him to get out.

James claimed Ward pushed and struck her.

While James was yelling at Ward, Gullo walked up the stairs and told Ward to leave. Gullo claimed Ward pushed her, and Gullo told Koonrad to call 911.

Koonrad told police she was in a hallway and heard a loud noise in James’ bedroom. When she looked, she noticed an air conditioner on the floor and Ward climbing through the window.

The suspect smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech.

Ward was arraigned by District Judge Joseph Halesey in Hanover Township on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and two counts of harassment. He was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $25,000 bail.

Ward
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By Ed Lewis

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