It all began around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at a home in the 200 block of West Mount Airy Avenue.
Investigators say a 39-year-old woman and two girls were inside a home when the suspect, who was armed with a gun, entered through the unlocked front door.
The suspect fled the home around 2:15 a.m., taking credit cards, cash, an iPhone, a laptop computer and a Kia Sorrento.
Police were not able to say what transpired in the nearly five hours the man was apparently at the home.
He tried to withdraw cash from an ATM on the 7600 block of City Avenue, and was spotted by police.
Officers followed the suspect, who then crashed in the 5700 block of Overbrook Avenue.
Dana Williams says she woke up to find an unknown vehicle in her front yard.
"Generally a good neighborhood, but every once in a while something crazy happens and comes into my front yard," she said.
The suspect changed his clothes and left them strewn across Williams' back yard before jumping several fences and evading police.
Only Action News was there when the suspect was finally apprehended along 60th and Lancaster Ave., about a mile away from where he abandoned the car. Formal charges are now pending.
No injuries were reported from the home invasion victims.
Philly police nab home invasion suspect after search
----------
Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps