Festus Police arrested a 39-year-old man on New Year’s Eve for reportedly trying to break into a house in the 800 block of Horine Road. The suspect, who lives in the Festus area, allegedly said he did not realize people were inside the house when he broke in, Chief Doug Wendel said.
He said the home’s residents contacted police about the alleged break-in at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
“A guy was trying to break into a house and the homeowners were there,” Wendel said. “The guy took off (on foot) when he found the people at home.
“Officers found him about a block away.”
Wendel said the arrest went smoothly, but the suspect allegedly was found with a weapon.
“He was found to have a gun in his backpack,” Wendel said.
He said the suspect was arrested and released pending application for charges.
Wendel said the suspect did not appear to specifically target the house on Horine Road.
“He randomly picked the house, is what he told the officers,” Wendel said.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Festus Police at 636-937-3646.