2 arrested in robbery of woman, 76, in West Whiteland

WEST WHITELAND TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Police have arrested the two suspects sought in the home invasion robbery that targeted a 76-year-old woman in West Whiteland Township, Chester County.

36-year-old Leonard Bernard of Philadelphia and 41-year-old Brianna Mitchell of Spring City were found hiding in a hotel in Dover, Delaware, police said.

The stolen items were recovered.

Police say that, up until a month ago, Mitchell had worked as a home aide for the 76-year-old.

Detectives say Bernard used information from Mitchell to pose as a healthcare worker and get inside the victim's apartment at 6:21 p.m. Saturday in the Exton Crossing development.

Police say Bernard threatened to harm the victim if she did not cooperate. He then allegedly proceeded to steal jewelry from the apartment.

He forced the victim to the floor where he bound her hands together, police say, and then fled the apartment.

West Whiteland Twp. Police Detective Scott Pezick explains, "This is a 76-year-old woman home alone and he comes in and physically pushes her, pushes her around, injures her, ties her up and leaves her in the house alone."

The two are being charged with Robbery, Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Criminal Conspiracy and related charged.