Man arrested in Pocatello after allegedly breaking into home, prompting victim to hide in bedroom closet
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POCATELLO — A man was arrested in Pocatello Friday after allegedly breaking into a home, prompting the victim to retreat to their bedroom closet.
Tyler J. Littleford, 36, has been charged with one count of burglary, one count of malicious injury to property, one count of providing false information to law enforcement and one count of unlawful entry.
According to court documents, on Oct. 30, shortly after midnight, officers with the Pocatello Police Department responded to a Pocatello residence for a report of a burglary in progress. When officers initially arrived on scene, they found a running and unoccupied vehicle.
Due to concerns regarding the alleged forced entry and the fact that the suspect, later identified as Littleford, could still be inside the home, officers entered with their firearms ready and began clearing the house room-to-room.
Court documents state officers were able to make contact with the victim and advised the victim to stay in their room. After making contact, the victim told officers that they believed Littleford may be in the basement. One officer was reportedly stationed at the basement exit while others continued searching the residence.
Court documents state officers allegedly eventually found Littleford in a detached shed outside the residence.
Littleford was allegedly found in the shed with blood on his clothing and his hands. He reportedly came out from the shed and was placed into handcuffs without incident.
After detaining Littleford, court documents state officers found a knife and a bottle of alcohol on his person. When asked his name, Littleford allegedly first told officers his name was “Jose” before saying his name was “Francisco.” After searching Littleford’s wallet, officers were able to correctly identify him as Tyler Littleford.
Once Littleford was in custody, officers spoke with the victim who reported that they had woken up to the sound of someone beating on their window and yelling obscenities. After allegedly seeing Littleford in their foyer, the victim said they retreated to their bedroom closet and called police.
According to the victim, during the break-in Littleford allegedly damaged approximately $1,000 worth of decor and heirlooms.
When Littleford was questioned, Littleford allegedly told police that he “didn’t break any of the windows” and he “didn’t do any of that s***,” according to court documents.
Littleford was transported to Portneuf Medical Center where court documents state had had to be physically restrained after resisting healthcare workers and officers, after which Littleford was taken to the Bannock County Jail.
If found guilty of the charges against him, Littleford may face up to 16 years confinement and may be required to pay fines of up to $53,500.
Littleford has been appointed a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office does not comment on active cases.
He is expected to appear in court Nov. 12 for a preliminary hearing.
Although Littleford has been charged with these crimes, that does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.