Police: Suspect in Niles home invasion called 9-1-1 for help

Leonard Powell

 Niles police are crediting a citizen’s tip and a 9-1-1 call from the suspect himself for helping them capture a man accused of forcing his way into a home and pushing an elderly woman to the floor.

Leonard Powell, 56, of Niles was booked into the Trumbull County Jail Sunday on a charge of aggravated burglary.

Police Chief Jay Holland says investigators believe it was Powell who came to a Maple Street home on Friday and told the 87-year-old resident he was collecting signatures on a petition.

The woman says the man forced his way inside the home, pushed her down, and tried to rob her.

The suspect ran away, spurring a search by police.

Chief Holland says dispatchers got a tip from a citizen that led police to a fourplex on Sayers Avenue. It was then that a 9-1-1 call came in from Powell asking for medical help.

Since no one answered the door, officers forced their way in and found Powell on the floor, apparently after he swallowed several pills. Police say they found an Ohio State University shirt like the one worn by the break-in suspect, as well as other items related to the burglary inluding a red mask, according to Niles Police Captain John Marshall. 

Powell was taken to Mercy Health and placed under guard until he was well enough to be taken to jail.

Chief Holland says the victim told him she is a little sore after the ordeal but will be okay.

Powell is expected to be arraigned in Niles Municipal Court.