Bronx, New York — A 35-year-old Bronx man has been arrested after police say he broke into a family’s home through a bedroom window and allegedly targeted an 8-year-old girl while she was sleeping, leading to a series of serious criminal charges.
According to the NYPD, Tishawn Maile, who investigators say was a stranger to the child, was taken into custody by members of the department’s Neighborhood Safety Team late Friday night in connection with the incident, which occurred on May 25.
Authorities said the arrest followed an investigation into the disturbing early morning break-in that left a Bronx family shaken.
Police Say Suspect Entered Child’s Bedroom Through a Window
Investigators said the incident unfolded around 5:10 a.m. at a residence near De Reimer and Bussing avenues in the Bronx.
According to police and court documents, the 8-year-old girl was asleep in a bedroom she shared with her 11-year-old and 6-year-old siblings when the suspect allegedly climbed into the room through a window.
Prosecutors allege that after entering the bedroom, the suspect engaged in sexually abusive conduct before leaving through the same window he had used to enter the home.
Authorities said the suspect did not know the child or her family and lived nearly two miles away from the residence.
Children Escaped Without Physical Injuries
Despite the frightening encounter, police said none of the three children suffered physical injuries during the incident.
Investigators believe the suspect fled immediately after the alleged assault, prompting an investigation that eventually led detectives to identify and arrest him nearly two months later.
The case has raised concerns about residential security and the vulnerability of children during overnight break-ins.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Maile was charged with several offenses, including sexually motivated burglary, burglary, sexual abuse, criminal trespass, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to prosecutors.
During his arraignment on Sunday, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A Bronx judge ordered him held on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond, in line with the request made by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.
Suspect Has Prior Arrest History
Police said Maile has three previous arrests in the Bronx, including a criminal possession of a weapon case in 2023, a burglary arrest in 2016, and an assault case in 2009.
Court records show he is scheduled to return to court on Thursday as the criminal case moves forward.
The allegations remain under investigation, and prosecutors will continue presenting evidence as the case proceeds through the legal system.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think stronger neighborhood safety measures could help prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
