TANNERSVILLE, Pa. — October 20, 2026. Pocono Township police say a reported burglary on Monday morning ended with an arrest after officers used a drone while investigating whether someone remained inside a home.

Officers were dispatched shortly before 11 a.m. October 19 to a residence on Upper Deer Valley Road. A homeowner told police the home had been disturbed and items were scattered, raising concern that an intruder might still be inside.

Drone used during police response

According to the police department’s public arrest report, officers deployed a drone to survey the property as part of the response. Police then announced their presence at the front entrance.

A man subsequently responded from inside the residence, and officers took him into custody. The department identified the accused as Vincent A. Merlino, 34, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

The announcement did not say the drone alone located the accused inside the building. It described the drone as part of the department’s overall approach to investigating the report.

Charges and bail

Police filed charges including burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, loitering and prowling at nighttime, and indecent exposure. Following arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Kresge, Merlino was remanded to the Monroe County Correctional Facility, according to the police report. The department listed bail at $75,000.

The charges are accusations. Merlino is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

What to do if you suspect a break-in

If you arrive at a home and believe an unauthorized person may still be inside, avoid entering or confronting someone. Move to a safe location and contact law enforcement. Follow instructions from responding officers rather than attempting to investigate the building yourself.

Basic entry lighting, functional locks and monitored doorbell cameras may help document certain incidents, although no security product guarantees prevention. For a separate, general guide see Schuylkill County home security: cameras, doorbells, locks and lighting.

Official source: Pocono Township Police Department CRIMEWATCH report, posted October 19.