An alleged burglary in Mahoning Township was broken up when the homeowner awoke.

Police said the occupant of the home then grabbed a candle holder, chased the intruder down the stairs and through the kitchen, and then struck the intruder in the back with the item.The resident then chased the intruder down the street, said Audie Mertz, officer in charge of the Mahoning Township Police Department.Charged in the incident, which occurred at about 5:40 a.m. on Aug. 4, was Michael Taschler, 27, of Lehighton.Mertz said Taschler was apprehended approximately two blocks away by police.The alleged burglary happened at a residence on Jamestown Street.The resident told police that he was in bed when he awoke to see a figure looking around the corner. The resident grabbed a metal candle holder from a nightstand and chased the intruder.In the investigation, it was determined that a television inside the residence had the wires disconnected.Police said that during an interview Taschler stated, "If they are accusing me of trying to steal their TV, I didn't."As a result of the investigation Taschler was charged with burglary and criminal trespass, both felonies. Taschler is currently in Carbon County Prison where he is awaiting a hearing on unrelated charges.