Kansas Burglary Suspect Picks the Wrong Garage, Ends Up Pinned to the Ground
A Kansas homeowner got an unwelcome surprise when he went to check on a noise coming from his garage. Instead of finding something that had fallen over, he discovered an intruder.
The Lawrence man managed to pin the suspected burglar to the ground while his wife called 911, according to police.
Officers were already headed to another home on the same street. Someone two doors down had reported a person trying to break in through a window.
The late-night encounter ended with one man in jail and a homeowner who escaped without injury. It also raises an important question: What should you do if you hear someone inside your home or garage?
Caught in the Act
The trouble started around 12:40 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, near 27th and Louisiana streets in Lawrence, Kansas.
According to the Lawrence Police Department, officers first received a call about someone trying to enter a house through a window.
Before they reached that address, another call came from a nearby home.
The second homeowner had heard strange noises in his garage and gone to investigate. When he found an intruder, he managed to get the person onto the ground and hold him there.
His wife called for help as the two men remained on the floor. With officers already close by, police quickly reached the house and took the suspect into custody.
Fortunately, the homeowner wasn’t physically hurt during the confrontation.
Behind Bars
Police transported the suspect to the Douglas County Correctional Facility following his arrest.
According to KCTV5, jail records identified him as 19-year-old Sage Nokona David Wise.
Wise was booked around 1:10 a.m. Thursday, roughly half an hour after the first emergency call.
The police department requested charges of attempted aggravated burglary and aggravated burglary. Jail records reviewed by KCTV5 listed three counts of aggravated burglary.
As of Friday morning, November 6, Wise remained in custody with a $50,000 bond.
Prepare Before Trouble Starts
Finding a stranger in your garage is frightening, especially in the middle of the night. While this homeowner was able to restrain the suspect without getting hurt, confronting an intruder can be dangerous.
The Baltimore Police Department recommends several simple steps to make homes less appealing to burglars.
Start with the doors. Keep your garage closed when you’re not using it, and make sure the door connecting the garage to your house has a strong lock. Check windows, side entrances, and other places someone might try to get inside.
Good lighting also matters. Motion-activated lights can brighten dark spots around garages, driveways, and entryways. Trim bushes that block the view of doors and windows.
An alarm system can provide another layer of protection. Security cameras may also help record suspicious activity, although neither guarantees that a burglary will be prevented.
Small habits can make a difference, too. Avoid leaving spare keys outside, and check that doors and windows are secured before going to bed.
When Something Goes Bump
But what if you hear someone moving around after you’ve already locked up for the night?
Police advise people not to confront suspicious individuals. The East Brunswick Police Department recommends staying somewhere safe and contacting 911 when a crime is underway.
If possible, move away from the suspected intruder, secure yourself behind a locked door, or leave the property using a safe exit. Don’t enter a garage or dark room to investigate if you believe someone may be inside.
When calling 911, tell the dispatcher where you are, what you heard or saw, and whether anyone else is in the house. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions rather than trying to catch the person yourself.
If you can safely observe someone leaving, details such as clothing, vehicle description, and direction of travel may help responding officers.
