The Ider Police Department made an arrest over the weekend after a homeowner called them stating he had a burglar held at gunpoint. The incident happened Saturday night in the area of County Road 732, in the small DeKalb County town.
The homeowner told police he saw the suspect entering the house, and when he approached him, the suspect went under the house to hide. Police said the suspect eventually took off into the woods but later came out of the woods with a knife. The homeowner called the police, and a heated exchange between the two could be heard on the call.
"During the call to police, you could hear both the victim and suspect yelling at one another, the victim pleading for the suspect to drop the knife," Ider Police stated in a press release. "The victim stated he put the knife away, and acted as if he was going to surrender. Allegedly the suspect attempted to stand to his feet and brandished the knife again at this point is when the victim held him at gunpoint advising him he would shoot if the suspect did not drop the knife; the suspect complied."
John Mitchell, 38, of Gaylesville, was taken into custody when police arrived. He was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center and charged with menacing, second-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief and first-degree criminal trespass. He posted a $20,000 bond and was released Monday morning.
"I'm thankful that the victim exercised his Second Amendment right," Ider Police Chief Stephen Malone said. "If not, this incident could have had a tragic ending for both parties. This case is a prime example of how important it is to exercise your rights and legally carrying to protect yourself, family and property. I'm relieved that in this case the victim, suspect, and officers were all unharmed and the only damage done was to the home. Property can be replaced, but people can't."
The Henagar Police Department, Sylvania Police Department and Dekalb County Sheriff's Office assisted.
Mitchell is considered innocent until proven guilty.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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