A North Carolina man is being held without bond after deputies say he broke into an occupied Onslow County home and assaulted the homeowner.
William Buie, 27, of Midway Park, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree burglary and simple assault, according to WCTI News 12.
Charging documents allege Buie unlawfully entered a home on Rocky Run Road while the homeowner, Frederick Whitzell, was inside.
Deputies say the homeowner was present when the unlawful entry occurred, turning the reported break-in into a direct personal-safety incident.
The Homeowner Was Inside the House
According to charging documents cited by WCTI, Buie entered the home with the intent to commit a felony.
Investigators further allege that he assaulted Whitzell by striking him in the head with the handle of a metal knife. The available report did not say whether the homeowner suffered serious injuries.
The Incident Happened on June 30
The alleged break-in and assault happened on June 30, according to the report.
Buie was taken to the Onslow County Jail after his arrest. WCTI reported that he remained there without bond.
The No-Bond Detail Is Tied to Iryna’s Law
Court records cited by WCTI say no bond had been set pursuant to Iryna’s Law.
The University of North Carolina School of Government explains that North Carolina’s Iryna’s Law changed pretrial-release rules and includes first-degree burglary among listed violent-offense categories that can trigger stricter review.
Occupied-Home Break-Ins Require Distance and Documentation
When someone may be inside the home or trying to enter, residents should avoid moving toward the sound or confronting the person if they have a safe way to leave or lock themselves away.
After calling 911 from a secure location, homeowners can help officers by preserving camera footage, noting the time of the incident, and describing what they heard or saw without disturbing the entry area. Doors, windows, locks, damaged frames, and visible items out of place should be left for responding officers whenever possible.