Madison man arrested after trying to break into home “to use a telephone,” police say

Stephen Cohn by Stephen Cohn

A Madison man was arrested Tuesday night after trying to break into a home because he wanted to “use a telephone.”

Madison police said 36-year-old Daniel Cleary was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary around 11:45 p.m. on the 1800 block of East Washington Ave.

According to an incident report, the homeowner was having a beer and watching a movie with his wife when he heard a noise on the side of his house. He then found a stranger attempting to get into his home.

Police said a struggle ensued between the homeowner and Cleary, which ended with Cleary losing his backpack and running away.

Officials said the homeowner provided a description of Cleary on the phone with 911 dispatch. When the homeowner told police the burglar was wearing a hat, Cleary reportedly tossed his hat into the street, having heard the conversation.

Police later found Cleary, who claimed he was “just trying to get into the home to use a telephone.”

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