A North Coventry Township woman says a wanted man came through her back door and stayed inside her home for roughly 40 minutes during a police chase.
The woman, identified by 6abc only as Pat, said the man suddenly appeared in her kitchen Monday night. Police sources identified him as 40-year-old Joshua McFadden.
Pat told the station he came into the house asking for water and looked like he was going to die. She said she let him rest, drink water, and call his wife before texting her grandson, who came over and made him leave.
For homeowners, the disturbing part is how quickly the police chase moved from nearby streets and yards into a private kitchen. A back door, side door, sliding door, garage entry, or basement access can become the opening someone uses when a fast-moving situation reaches a neighborhood.
The Chase Started Near a Lowe’s
Police radio transmissions cited by 6abc said officers first encountered McFadden at the Lowe’s in Town Square Plaza off Pottstown Pike while looking for a suspect wanted for retail theft. Officers reported that the man crashed a car and ran, starting a foot chase.
One radio transmission described the suspect saying he would shoot an officer, though the officer said he did not see anything in the man’s hands.
Neighbors Saw a Man Cutting Through Yards
Neighbors told 6abc they saw a man running through the area before the shooting. One woman said he cut across a yard instead of staying on the street. Pat said McFadden did not act violently toward her and refused her attempts to call 911.
The Shooting Remains Under Investigation
Moments after leaving Pat’s home, McFadden apparently jumped inside a police vehicle near Kline and Lindberg avenues, according to 6abc.
A source told the station that a North Coventry Police Department officer fired a service weapon, striking him in the chest.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office said the case remains active and ongoing, and McFadden was alive at last check. No officers were hurt, according to 6abc.
Back Doors and Side Entries Need the Same Attention
Police burglary-prevention guidance from Davidson, North Carolina, advises residents not to enter a home if they come back to an unexplained open or broken door or window. The guidance says to call 911, avoid touching anything, and note suspicious people or vehicles without approaching anyone.
That advice also fits a home where someone unexpected is already inside. The safer move is to create distance if possible, get to a secure place, call 911, and give police clear information about the person’s location, appearance, direction of travel, and any vehicle involved.
For homes with back doors, sliders, garages, basement entries, and side-yard gates, the basic routine is still worth checking. Doors should latch properly, exterior lights should work, house numbers should be visible from the street, and a phone should be reachable from the places where people spend time at home.