BANGOR, Maine — A Brewer man who reportedly was under the influence of alcohol and possibly drugs early Sunday forced his way into an outer Ohio Street residence with four children and two adults asleep inside, Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards said Monday.
“He was ripping out the garden lights and kicked in the front door,” the sergeant said.
Jeremy Heath, 20, broke into the house about 1:30 a.m. Sunday and took off running before police arrived, but lost a sneaker during the scuffle with the family.
Inside the home were a 44-year-old man, his 45-year-old wife and their four children, ages 19, 16, 14 and 7, who all were awakened by Heath causing a ruckus in the front yard and then banging on the front door, Edwards said.
When no one answered the door, Heath kicked it in, went inside and started up the stairs.
The children, two boys and two girls, told police “they thought someone had broken into the house trying to kill them,” Edwards said.
The witnesses said, “he was messed up on something and began to yell and scream at the father, who is protecting his family,” the sergeant said. “The father tackles him and yells to call police.”
A fight reportedly ensued inside the house and the children tried to help their father and stop Heath from leaving.
“At one point, they’re all dragged outside by Heath — all piled up on top of him,” Edwards said.
Once outside, Heath lifted the father off the ground, slammed him down on his back and then grabbed one of the solar-powered garden lights and unsuccessfully attempted to stab the father, the sergeant said.
Heath then took off running but left a Nike sneaker behind. He was found shortly after when a resident on Mount Desert Drive called to say someone was attempting to break into their home. Heath allegedly was apprehended wearing only one Nike sneaker.
He was charged with felony criminal trespass, as well as assault and criminal threatening, and could face a penalty of up to five years behind bars if convicted of the trespassing charge.
Heath was taken to Penobscot County Jail and remained there on Monday afternoon, Edwards said.
The entire family was upset and both parents were so shaken up by the home invasion that both reportedly were taken to an area hospital. The father was treated for a back injury and the wife was seen because she was short of breath, the sergeant said.
“Both of the victims were visibly terrified,” Edwards said.
Hmmmm, I wonder what the “something” was that Mr. Heath was messed up on….kudos to the family for the pig pile on this character…..am grateful none of them were seriously injured…..Crazy…..
Another reason for a loaded firearm or a Louisville slugger.
To quote Tollbooth Willie: “I’ll Carlton Fisk your head with a Louisville Slugger”.
Bath salts
FYI…it was NOT bathsalts!
Is it wrong for me to wish that one of the family members had a 12ga next to their bed?
No, it is not. This guy fared much better than if he had kicked in my front door and stormed up the stairs.
but on the other hand, I am sure he just needs some taxpayer funded rehab so he can get back on track….NOT.
My pump shotgun is right next to the bed….just take the safety off…
Not at all. I would have shot the bastard.
Nope…not wrong at all. One less strung out nut job in town is fine by me.
…
He’s a young clean shaven lad, he will make friends easily in prison.
Old Capehart? Nah, couldn’t be. There’s no drugs out there.
What happened to him??? I’ve known him for years… but never knew he was so messed up :(
This crap is out of control. Getting a 5 year sentence ? Should be 20 for what he did. Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary.
Very uncharacteristic of this personable, friendly (when not on substances) young man. Another reminder to all to stay off substances.
This is a prime example of what addiction can do to someone. Jeremy is a great kid and a wonderful person. But alcohol can make you a person with no control. No excuses, he will pay for what he did and rightfully so. Just so sad for him and his family.
Sorry, but I would say it’s a hell of a lot sadder for the family he terrified!–By the time your 20 years old you should have a few more smarts then
to pull something like this!!
Sounds like it should be a class A home invasion charge not a petty class C criminal tresspass. And no it is not wrong for you to wish they had a 12 GA beside the bed…
sounds like this Jeremy Heath is one lucky guy!!!!! I can assure you if he had come to our house the outcome would not of been as good for him, do believe in the protect your family/self first, ask questions later.
9mm in my dresser, just in case something like this happens to me. He’s lucky he’s still alive. And anti gun folks wonder why people of all ages, men and women, are buying firearms and learning how to properly use them. This story will sell more firearms than a full page ad in the BDN.
It’s a damn shame when your not even safe in your own home any more. —I firmly believe that everyone should have some kind of protection in their home.–You never know when some “nice” young man or woman is going to flip out and cause harm and/or terror to you and family!
There’s just no fear now a days in the eyes of a desperate person out to do crime. If they break into a home, they “might” get caught. And if they do, all they get is a slap on the wrist then set free to do it again. Where is the risk to a criminal today? What is there to deter them from being bolder and taking greater chances? Nothing of consequence from what I can see. If they’re caught, they go to jail for less than a 1/4 of the time they were sentenced for. Oh and while they are jailed, “WE ” pay for they’re daily food and medical needs through taxes. And we pay for their detox and rehabilitation. Again, what’s the risk to a criminal?
Used to be such a nice kid with a seemingly bright future. sad to see.
used to be such a nice kid with a seemingly bright future. sad to see another kid throw everything away so young. good to know you can break in to a house. terrorize a family. attempt to stab the owner, run away, attempt another invasion… and your looking at a 5 year max? THIS COUNTRY. probably would’ve charged the homeowner with murder if they’d shot him out on the lawn and given him 20. pathetic.
I know this young man, and have for years. While I do not excuse his actions whatsoever, and agree that he deserves to be punished to the full extent, I cannot sit by and read the ignorant comments from people who don’t even know the “rest of the story” as it were. Again, no excuse for his behavior and he deserves whatever he gets. Also, I cannot even imagine the fear the family went through. I DO know, however, that this young man IS a good kid…operating word here, KID, albeit a 20 year old one at that, but still a kid! He should never have had a drink, let alone whatever else he took, but the fact is that he needs help, not condemnation here! He deserves to make this right for the family he terrorized in his intoxicated haze for sure. AND he needs support…he has mine and my son’s, and I hope he gets the help he needs otherwise. Good luck Jeremy. Rise above this and make something of yourself…you can do it! Teach others if that’s what it takes….but do it now before it’s too late.
It’s strange how much people have to say about that which they know so little about. Jeremy’s a good person, who had a bad night, and got the wrong house. I’m proud to call him my brother. and all I can say toward those nameless cowards who would like to shoot my brother- you’re more than lucky it wasn’t your house. We’re praying for you.