Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A SKETCH OF ASHLEIGH PORTALES
This article is a news release regarding a home invasion suspect compiled by the WC MESSENGER Wise County, Decatur, Texas and the contributions of my top graduate of our forensic science program at Weatherford College in his apprehension.
HOME INVASION SUSPECT SOUGHT – Decatur Police continue to search for a young man who allegedly broke into an apartment and grabbed a young woman Monday morning. The suspect entered the apartment at approximately 8 a.m. through an unlocked door. According to investigators he snuck up behind a female in the residence and grabbed her in a “bear hug.” But the female fought back and proceeded to force the man out of the second floor apartment. No items were taken, and no injuries were reported. The home invasion occurred at Crestview Place Apartments located in the 900 block of W. Thompson Avenue. The identity of the suspect is not known at this time, but is described as a white male with a thin build that looks to be anywhere from 18 to his late 20s. He has pale skin, dark wavy hair that covers his ears but doesn’t go down to his shoulders, dark eyes and is between 5’10″ and 6′ tall. He was wearing a baseball hat with a flat brim, a long sleeve black shirt and dark pants. The victim worked with Ashleigh Portales with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office to produce a composite sketch of the suspect, which can be viewed at WCMessenger.com. After the home invasion occurred yesterday morning, McCarroll Middle School, located across the street from the apartments, went into a “soft lockdown” mode for most of the morning as a precautionary measure. Anyone with information on the suspect should call the Decatur Police Department at (940) 393-0310.
 INTRUDER SUSPECT ARRESTED – A man was arrested Tuesday afternoon for Monday’s home invasion at Crestview Place Apartments in Decatur. Eric Thomas Brake, 21, turned himself in to the Decatur Police Department about 3:30 p.m., according to Police Chief Rex Hoskins. Hoskins said Brake called and left a voice mail at the department indicating he was the perpetrator. An officer returned Brake’s call, and they arranged for him to turn himself in. “He described the incident to the tee of what the victim said,” Hoskins explained. “He said after he saw the composite drawing, he knew we had him. I think that’s a very big credit toward (Ashleigh Portales, who produced the sketch). This case couldn’t have been broke without her.” Brake is from Kansas but was living with relatives at the apartment complex. Hoskins said he will be charged with burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a sexual offense, a first degree felony. He was booked into Wise County Jail late Tuesday afternoon. Read more in the midweek Wise County Messenger on newsstands today.