JAMESTOWN – A man has been taken into custody, accused of invading a person’s home based on the victim’s race.

According to Jamestown Police, on Friday at about 2:15 p.m., officers from the first platoon responded to an address on the north side of the city for a home invasion. It was reported that a male had entered the home and was attempting to attack the occupants inside the home.

Upon officers’ arrival, the suspect had left the home and was quickly taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was identified as 42-year-old Andrew D Lecceardone who allegedly broke a window to gain entry into the home and once inside tried to attack the victim with a pry bar.

While inside the home Lecceardone stole property belonging to the victim and did all this in the

presence of a child.

After further investigation, officers believe Lecceardone targeted the victim due to his ethnic background.

Lecceardone was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree menacing, and second-degree criminal mischief (hate crimes). He was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and petit larceny. Lecceardone is being held in Jamestown City Jail pending arraignment.