Full Notification

On Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 6:27PM, Zone 3 Officers responded to 71 Wyoming Street for an unknown trouble call. It was reported that the victim, w/f 20 yo, came home and surprised an intruder in her home. The intruder later identified as Thomas Frances Cook, w/m 23yo from West Mifflin.

It was reported that the victim’s mother was worried and asked a friend to go check on her daughter’s apartment. It is further reported that when the friend looked into the window he observed the victim, who was conscious, sitting in the hallway bound with duct tape as well as observing the actor. The friend gained entrance to the apartment, rendered aid to the victim and subdued the actor. The actor was taken into custody and transported to Mercy Hospital where he was treated, released and transported to ACJ.

During the course of this investigation it was learned that Cook broke into the apartment sometime after Wednesday, November 25th and was residing in the apartment while the victim was away on a holiday break. The victim came home and surprised the actor who then choked the victim until she passed out. It was reported that when she woke up her hands and feet were bound. It was reported that the actor told the victim that he had broken into this same home several months ago, while another tenant was living there, through the same window. The victim reported to detectives that the actor began cutting his wrist and neck causing self-inflicted wounds. The victim was transported to UPMC Presbyterian for injuries sustained from being choked and listed in stable condition.

The detectives found that there was evidence in the apartment showing that Cook bought food and was sleeping inside the apartment. He also had in his possession items that were taken in another burglary. One of the items was a laptop which was identified by the victim of that burglary by the serial numbers.

Cook was arrested and charged with one count each Burglary, Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the PBP Burglary Squad at 412-323-7155 or Zone 3 at 412-488-8326. Callers may remain anonymous.