TUTWILER — A local man has been arrested in connection with a pair of midnight capers at a house on the west side of town.
Willie James Love, identified as a Tutwiler resident about 60 years old, is charged with burglary, home invasion and attempted breaking and entering in those crimes, according to Tutwiler Police Investigator Carlos Thompson.
As of June 1, Love was being held on a bond of $25,000, Thompson said.
During the first incident on May 21, Love allegedly gained access to a residence in the 100 block of West Street by breaking and entering a window on the north side of the house. He is charged with exiting through an exterior door with “numerous items valued at over $7,500,” noted Thompson.
The investigator explained that the home which was targeted is owned by an elderly woman who is known to travel outside the country, and she was not in the house during the May 21 break-in.
Love allegedly returned to the same residence about a week later and attempted to enter through the front door.
This time, the owner was inside the residence. Thompson said she heard a noise and went to investigate, spotting someone at the front door.
The perpetrator “didn’t go all the way in the house” but “saw her and fled the scene,” the officer added.
Thompson said his investigation pointed to Love, who was arrested May 29.
None of the stolen merchandise has been recovered, the officer noted, but he said he “did get a confession” from Love.
