MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The suspect in a home invasion burglary was caught empty-handed Monday after the family dog sent the man running.
Memphis police were called to the 4000-block of New Willow off Getwell Road just after 7 a.m. on Monday, August 13. According to the police affidavit, the homeowner told officers she left the house for 15 minutes and when she returned her daughter said a man had broken in.
The daughter stated she heard a noise in the kitchen, and saw an unknown black male inside. The family dog ran in to protect her, and she tried to get the dog to follow her but the dog remained in the kitchen with the intruder. The suspect pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed at the dog, then fled through a rear window he had used to gain entry to the home.
A description of the suspect was broadcast and officers found 31-year-old Derick Nelson hiding in the shed of a nearby home a short time later. He was taken back to the scene where the victim positively identified him as the suspect in her home.
Derick Nelson is charged with Aggravated Burglary, Criminal Trespassing, and Criminal Attempted Animal Cruelty. Nelson was booked at the Shelby County Jail on $30,000 and is scheduled to appear in court August 21.
