By Lea Kahn / Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — Marvin A. Leonard, 51, of Princeton Avenue has been charged with robbery, burglary, theft, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose after he entered a Lanning Avenue residence around 9 p.m. Sept. 4, according to Lawrence police Lieutenant Charles B. Edgar.
Mr. Leonard opened the unlocked screen door of the Lanning Avenue residence and confronted the resident, Lt. Edgar said. He was holding a small handgun, which he pointed at the resident. He saw the victim’s purse laying nearby, grabbed it and left the scene, Lt. Edgar said.
"It appears the pocketbook was his main motivation for entering the house," Lt. Edgar said, adding that the victim and the accused are acquainted. He declined to elaborate on the nature of their relationship. No one was hurt during the confrontation.
Mr. Leonard turned himself in to the Police Department at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 8, when he learned police were looking for him in connection with the incident, Lt. Edgar said. He was taken to the Mercer County Corrections Center on $500,000 bail.
The incident was investigated by Patrolman Kevin Reading Jr. and Detective Joseph Lech IV.

