JONESBORO, Ark. — A man is facing residential burglary and criminal trespass charges after being discovered inside a Craighead County home wearing only a towel, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Noel Perez appeared before Special Judge Barbara Halsey on Nov. 4 for a bond hearing. His bond was set at $150,000 cash or surety for allegations including residential burglary, a Class B felony, and criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor.
The incident unfolded on the night of Nov. 2. Deputies were dispatched at approximately 9:18 p.m. to a residence on County Road 645 following a reported burglary in progress. While en route, deputies were informed that a man was being held at gunpoint inside the home. Bay police officers arrived first and detained the suspect.
The homeowner told investigators that his family had been attending a ballgame in Lake City when he received an alert from his doorbell camera. The footage showed a naked man walking near the front door. Concerned, the homeowner contacted a relative, identified in the affidavit as Trooper Shane Fox, to help inspect the property.
Carrying handguns for safety, the homeowner and Fox searched the home but found no one initially. However, upon discovering items on the back porch — including a hat, cellphone, and shoes that were unfamiliar — they suspected someone was still inside. Entering the home again, they shouted for the intruder to reveal themselves. At that point, a man wearing only a towel came downstairs. The two men held him at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived.
Deputies reported finding Perez lying facedown on the floor, covered with a towel. After cuffing him, they interviewed the homeowner, who stated there were no signs of forced entry and theorized that the house had been left unlocked.
When questioned by deputies, Perez claimed an older couple, whom he identified as the homeowner’s parents, had invited him inside. The homeowner disputed this and clarified that his parents live in another town and had not been at the residence.
Perez allegedly admitted to deputies that he had consumed a large quantity of methamphetamine shortly before the incident. Emergency medical personnel evaluated him on site before he was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center.
As deputies escorted Perez from the scene, he reportedly mentioned leaving his clothing in a nearby creek under a bridge at Dedman and Robinson. Officers noted footprints in the mud consistent with his account.
Perez’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Craighead County Circuit Court.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.