Aug 27, 2015 3 min read

A homeless man who is accused of taking off his clothes and then knocking on a door at a Donora senior citizen high rise over the weekend was arrested Wednesday night by borough police, who said he was found inside the Meldon Avenue complex.

Joseph J. Zellie, 54, was spotted on surveillance video entering Donora Towers, 685 Meldon Ave., and walking around the building Sunday, said police Superintendent James Brice. At some point, he removed his clothing and knocked on the door of a first-floor apartment, police said.

Police said the resident opened the door and she saw a man, later identified as Zellie, standing there naked holding his clothes in his hand. Brice said the resident shut the door.

“A visitor in her apartment tried to look for (Zellie) but couldn’t find him,” Brice said, adding that the man was not seen unclothed on any surveillance Sunday.

The visitor went to the library in the building, but the door, which is usually open, was locked. Police speculated Zellie might have gone there to get dressed.

Brice said they suspect Zellie may have been in the apartment building several times over the last few weeks.

“The staff started noticing strange things like the clock off the wall in the library and chairs rearranged,” Brice said. “One tenant was positive where she had left her key, but it was gone. Another reported change missing.

“The manager and maintenance people did an outstanding job,” the superintendent added. “They circulated a picture of Zellie and made all the tenants aware.”

Brice said another surveillance camera was added near the library. Brice said Zellie was caught about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday as he was seen on the outside of the building near the library window, just before the door is caught opening on surveillance.

“When he was caught, he had the stolen key with him,” Brice said. “Now the residents can rest easy, knowing he is in custody and in jail.”

Earlier this month, Zellie was ordered held for court in his absence on charges including burglary and loitering and prowling at night filed by Charleroi Regional police stemming from four incidents earlier this year.

Zellie was arraigned before Hopkins on charges of burglary, indecent exposure, criminal trespass and receiving stolen property filed by Donora police in connection with Sunday’s incident. Brice said it is likely he will face additional charges. Zellie was placed in Washington County Jail on $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 10 before District Judge Mark Wilson.