By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
DOTHAN, Ala. — A late-night burglary attempt took an unexpected turn when a suspect fell through the ceiling and was later apprehended by police after fleeing the scene.
Jacob Mark Wilson Gates, 33, of Dothan, has been charged with second-degree burglary following an early-morning incident, according to Dothan police.
Officers responded around 3 a.m. Friday, a report of a burglary in progress at a home on Daniel Circle. The homeowner told police he initially heard his dogs barking around 1 a.m. but found nothing unusual after checking the property.
About two hours later, a loud crash alerted the homeowner again. When he investigated, he discovered Gates lying in the hallway after falling through the ceiling.
Police said the homeowner, acting to protect himself, struck the suspect with a dog gate before the suspect fled the residence.
Authorities quickly launched a search, and a police K-9 unit tracked Gates to a nearby area, where he was taken into custody.
“It was clear to officers that Gates was impaired by drug use,” police said in a statement. During the arrest, officers reportedly found pills, a white powdery substance, and syringes.
Investigators believe Gates entered the home by climbing onto a porch and accessing the attic through a roof vent, remaining there for nearly two hours before falling through the ceiling.
Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.