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Burglar Found Hiding In Ductwork Of Worcester Store: Police

A 38-year-old Worcester man tried to turn a heist of a smoke shop into an "Oceans 11" style caper when he ducked into the ductwork to hide from police, authorities said. 

Worcester Police Department

Worcester Police Department

Photo Credit: Facebook/Worcester Police Department

Epifanio Lanzo faces two counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, theft from a building, two counts of vandalism, and possession of burglars' tools, Worcester police said. 

A Worcester officer was patrolling the Park Avenue area early Wednesday morning when they noticed an open door at the Smoke Vibez at 258 Park Ave and saw a man go inside, authorities said. Sensing something wasn't right about the setup, the officer called in a possible break-in and asked for backup. 

A K9 officer swept the building and found the ceiling of the backroom was damaged along with a wall as if someone had bashed through the drywall to get to the adjoining business, El Basha, authorities said. Officers also found a shoe, a backpack with bolt cutters, and various other items. 

Police eventually found Lanzo hiding in the ductwork, authorities said. Officers offered him a hand out of ducts and slapped cuffs on them when he was free. 

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