A reportedly intoxicated local man was arrested on multiple charges early Friday after he allegedly tried to break into a couple's home and then fought with Hot Springs police who found him passed out at the scene.
Terry Joseph Delaney, 66, who lists a Central Avenue address, was taken into custody shortly before 2 a.m. and charged with a felony count of attempted residential burglary, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, first-degree criminal mischief and public intoxication.
Delaney was being held on a $6,000 bond and was set to appear Friday in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, police responded to a residence on Carlos Verdes Drive regarding an unknown man in the backyard attempting to force his way into the house.
Officer Christopher Savage went around to the back of the house where he found a man, later identified as Delaney, passed out in a lawn chair. He asked Delaney what he was doing and Delaney reportedly made an obscene gesture at him and then stated, "(Expletive) you!"
Savage grabbed Delaney's arm and told him he was under arrest and Delaney allegedly began to pull away forcefully, causing a brief struggle. While attempting to gain control of the man, Officer Cynthia Howerton deployed her Taser and he finally complied and was taken into custody without further incident.
It was noted Delaney had a strong odor of intoxicants on his breath and the officers found a half-empty bottle of vodka in his pocket. LifeNet responded to check Delaney before he was taken to jail.
Savage spoke to the homeowner who stated he and his wife were awakened earlier by "a loud banging" at their back door. He said he went to investigate and saw Delaney attempting to force his way in the door. Fearing for the safety of he and his wife, he said he armed himself and called police.
The couple noted Delaney had attempted to open the door and when he discovered it was locked began trying to force it open. The owner told police he didn't know Delaney and had never seen him before that morning. A porcelain lawn ornament, valued at $80, was found to be broken.
Once at the jail, Delaney reportedly admitted he didn't know the homeowners and had never been to their residence before. He also reportedly stated he didn't know anyone in that area.
Local on 04/04/2020