Neighbor Thwarts NH Break-In, Holds Suspect At Gunpoint Until Police Arrive

PELHAM, N.H. (CBS) – Police said a New Hampshire man thwarted a break-in at his neighbor's home when he held the suspect at gunpoint until officers arrived.

A woman arrived at her Kennedy Drive home in Pelham Wednesday around 4:30 p.m. and found an unknown Chevy Avalanche running in the driveway with no one inside.

The woman went to her neighbor's house and stayed there while he went to check on the situation.

When the neighbor entered the woman's house, he saw a man inside, trying to sneak out the back. The neighbor showed his gun to the suspect, and helped detain him in the driveway.

The alleged thief tried to take some family heirlooms and the kids' piggy-banks.

When police arrived, they said the neighbor was pointing his gun at the suspect, who was leaning against the running Chevy. The neighbor announced to police that he had a weapon, and secured it when they instructed him to.

"He held the burglar at bay until we could arrive," said Pelham Police Sgt. Matt Keenliside. "So he didn't do anything wrong there, he's OK."

Police identified the suspect as Andrew Billcliff, 31, of Plaistow. Billcliff was arrested and charged with burglary and breach of bail.