NORWICH – On Wednesday, a mother and two young children called police after they noticed a man acting strange and following them in the dark as they walked home along Borden Avenue in Norwich.

Police responded and arrested Anthony Joseph Pierce, age 32, of Norwich for stalking. He is also suspected of being under the influence of meth at the time.

In a separate pending case, Pierce was arrested on a drug felony and for resisting arrest in March. In that previous case investigators accused him of entering a random victim's home, motivated by drugs.

In both instances he was released due to New York State's bail reform laws and is currently back on the streets.

According to the Norwich Police Department at about 9:12 p.m. on Wednesday, “It was learned during the investigation that Anthony Pierce had been following this family from downtown Norwich, and hiding in bushes along the way to Borden Avenue, while they walked home. Anthony was located at the scene, arrested by Norwich Police Officers, and found to be in possession of alleged methamphetamine.”

Pierce was charged with three counts of third degree stalking, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second degree harassment, and appearing in public under the influence of a controlled substance. He was released on an appearance ticket in compliance with bail reform and told to appear in court at a later date.

“This is another case of someone who has multiple outstanding felony and misdemeanor charges and is not in jail because of bail reform. We are thankful that this individual did not hurt this family,” said Detective Sergeant Reuben Roach. Anthony was processed and released on an appearance ticket in compliance with bail reform.

On March 4, the NPD received a suspicious person call, after Pierce allegedly entered into a random home on Silver Street in the City of Norwich.

“During the course of this arrest, Anthony refused to comply with the uniformed police officers, and a foot pursuit began. Anthony was eventually taken into custody and was found to be in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine and U.S. currency,” reported Roach.

He advised, “We have seen a large spike where individuals are entering random homes when they are under the influence of methamphetamine. We encourage all Norwich residents to keep their doors locked, even when they are home, and to immediately report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to the police department.”

That case is still pending in Norwich City Court, and Pierce is charged with fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony; resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor; public appearance under the influence of a narcotic drug; and disorderly conduct. Police said he was also released with an appearance ticket at the time.