Sheriff’s files
STEVEN MROSS
The Sentinel-Record staff
A local man was arrested early Wednesday when he was allegedly caught breaking into a Royal man’s back porch freezer to get food.
Justin Russell Hewitt, 23, who lists an address of 170 S. Rogers Road, was taken into custody shortly before 1 a.m. in the 100 block of Doe Lane, located off the 5800 block of Albert Pike, and charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal trespass, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Hewitt, who reportedly had a parole hold on him, was initially held without bond, but had bonded out by mid-morning Wednesday. He is set to appear Nov. 19 in district court.
According to reports, shortly after 12:30 a.m., GCSD Deputy Matthew Wharton responded to the Doe Lane residence and made contact with the homeowner, 67, who was holding the suspect, identified as Hewitt, at gunpoint outside.
The victim states he heard loud banging coming from outside his residence and discovered Hewitt outside his back door attempting to steal food items from a freezer chest on the porch and detained him until Wharton got there.
Hewitt reportedly stated he was only trying to get some food and didn’t intend to harm anyone. Nothing was apparently missing, but the victim indicated he wanted to purse trespassing charges so Hewitt was taken into custody.
