A New Hampshire man is facing charges after police say he caused a bizarre disturbance early Tuesday morning at a home in Salem while allegedly intoxicated.
Phillip Smith, 27, is facing charges of criminal trespass and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on Main Street.
Police said a homeowner was woken up by a ruckus at his front door just before 2 a.m. and when he went to investigate, he was shocked to find an intruder sitting on the couch in his living room.
“Oh sure, it’s certainly disturbing,” Salem Police Capt. Joel Dolan said.
Salem police got a call just before 2 a.m. from a man who lives on Main Street. That homeowner told them a stranger, later identified as Smith, was sitting on his couch.
Shocked at what he saw, the homeowner retreated back upstairs and called police.
“He went upstairs, barricaded himself in a secure area and waited for us to arrive,” Dolan said.
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He said the homeowner did exactly the right thing, because when officers arrived they found the suspect highly intoxicated and ready for a fight.
“He was on the ground originally and got to his feet, told them [officers] he wanted to fight, but they were able to get him into custody,” Dolan said.
According to police, Smith told the homeowner that he lived in that home, although his listed address is actually about two miles away.
While police think this might just be a case of drunken confusion, they admit the unexpected confrontation could have gone terribly wrong.
“There are many homeowners who are rightful weapons owners and it could’ve certainly escalated far more serious than it was,” Dolan said.
Smith was released from jail on personal recognizance bail. He's due back in court at a later date to face charges.
It's unclear if he has an attorney.
