Bethlehem intruder denied money makes death threat, cops say

A Bethlehem man man forcibly entered his own home, tried to hit one woman with a chair and threatened to kill a second woman after demanding money from her, according to city police. Michael M. Urquiza Jr., 20, was arrested in the incident late Wednesday...

Bethlehem intruder denied money makes death threat, cops say

A Bethlehem man man forcibly entered his own home, tried to hit one woman with a chair and threatened to kill a second woman after demanding money from her, according to city police.

Michael M. Urquiza Jr., 20, was arrested in the incident late Wednesday night and sent to Northampton County Prison.

Police said they responded about 11:20 p.m. to Urquiz's address, 128 E. Goepp St., for the report of a possible domestic disturbance.

A woman there said Urquiza forced his way in through the back door and tried to hit her with a chair when she confronted him, according to court records; she dodged the chair, and an argument ensued.

A second woman attempted to stop the argument, and Urquiza demanded money from her, police said. She told him she did not have money to give him, and he said, "If not, then I'm going to kill you," records say.

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Urquiza was arraigned before District Judge Richard Yetter III on charges of terroristic threats and simple assault and sent to the prison in lieu of $15,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled Feb. 17 before District Judge Roy Manwaring II.

If released on bail, Urquiza would be barred from contact with the victims, is evicted from the home and barred from entering there.

Urquiza was sentenced in April 2016 to between two and 12 months in prison for theft, also in Bethlehem. His sentence also ordered him to obtain his GED and to undergo a drug-and-alcohol evaluation and follow the recommended treatment. A bench warrant was issued last October after he violated parole, according to court records.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

 

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