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 CANTON---A Queensbury man has been charged with third degree burglary and criminal mischief after be allegedly broke into a St. Lawrence County funeral home and fell asleep in a coffin.
But the funeral home owner says he may ask to have the charges dropped if the college student pays the $4,000 restitution for the damages.
Joel Fish, 20, was arrested Thursday after he was found snoozing in a stainless steel casket at the O'Leary Funeral in Canton in northern New York.
Police said that Fish had been drinking at a college party and doesn't remember how or why he ended up in the casket. He is extremely apologetic about the manner and embarrassed.
Debra White, wife of funeral home director Joe White, said that she was walking her dog about 6:30 a.m. Thursday when she discovered a broken window and open door to the casket display room. On looking inside, she saw a pair of jeans and boots on the floor beside one casket and saw legs protruding from the casket.
Police found Fish in the casket, under the influence of alcohol and apparently not aware of where he was. The casket was bloodied from severe cuts on Fish's hands and arms from the window glass.
Damages have been estimated at $4,000, the casket ruined. He was arraigned in Canton Town Court after being treated for his injuries and released on his own recognizance. 5-19-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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