A Waterville man is behind bars after he broke into a Winthrop home Tuesday while a girl was home alone, according to police.

Winthrop police Capt. Ryan Frost said 34-year-old Brian Mulkern broke into the Holmes Road home and surprised the girl, who called police before fleeing to a neighbor’s house.

Mulkern, who was arrested as he left the house, is charged with burglary and theft. He was being held Tuesday at the Kennebec County jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.

Frost wouldn’t specify the girl’s age, but said she is a juvenile.

Frost said Mulkern broke into the house just after noon.

Initial reports were that Mulkern, and perhaps another person, had fled on a motorcycle, but Winthrop police officer Tim Falvey, who was on a detail less than a mile away, found Mulkern at the house.

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“Officer Falvey caught Mulkern coming out of the house with merchandise,” Frost said. He said Falvey tackled Mulkern as he tried to get to his motorcycle to flee.

Frost said Mulkern said he was working alone and randomly targeted the house. Mulkern told police he did not know the girl was home when he broke in, Frost said.

Frost commended the girl for her quick thinking.

“She did an excellent job,” he said.

Frost said police have notified law enforcement agencies from Winthrop to Waterville to find out whether Mulkern can be connected to other burglaries in the region. Winthrop police also continue to investigate.

“Further charges are pending,” Frost said.

Craig Crosby — 621-5642

ccrosby@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @CraigCrosby4


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