Repeat burglary suspect arrested in New Rochelle after attempted break-in

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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — A New Rochelle man was arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly attempting to break into a Lispenard Avenue home for the second time in little over a year, according to police. Francis Voltaire, 23, was apprehended by New Rochelle Police after the homeowner spotted him trying to enter her residence on her Ring security camera.

The incident occurred around 6:02 a.m. on November 6, when the victim noticed suspicious activity on her security footage and recognized Voltaire, who had previously burglarized her home in August 2023. She immediately called 911 as she watched Voltaire force his way through a lower window, knocking aside an air conditioning unit in the process.

Officers arrived swiftly and set up a perimeter around the home. They observed Voltaire inside the residence and instructed him to surrender. Voltaire was taken into custody without incident as he attempted to exit through the same window he used to enter.

The victim had previously obtained a Temporary Order of Protection (TOP) against Voltaire following the 2023 burglary. Police reported that Voltaire claimed to believe his grandmother once lived at the Lispenard Avenue address, though there is no known connection between him and the homeowner.

Authorities continue to investigate Voltaire’s intentions in returning to the property. He remains in custody as police examine all aspects of the case.