Police use pepper spray to remove suspect from home's attic

A Cape Girardeau man was an unwelcome guest in a relative’s attic, and Cape Girardeau Police used pepper spray in an attempt to get him out. Eventually, he fell through the roof into the bathroom.

In total, he was responsible for about $15,000 of damage to the house, according to a probable-cause statement from the police department.

Christopher Brandon Ford, 34, was arrested by police Saturday and charged with felony burglary, property damage and resisting arrest.

Police responded at 12:30 p.m. to a residence in the 600 block of Woodbine Place. The occupant said Ford was no longer allowed in the house, but she had heard him in the attic. Ford refused to speak to officers, but they could hear him moving in the attic and he was creating holes in the ceiling of the kitchen, spare bedroom and master bedroom, statement said. Ford also tried to kick out the ventilation grate in the attic.

After several commands for Ford to exit the attic, officers began sending pepper spray into the attic.

Ford eventually fell through the ceiling in the main bathroom, then used the bathroom vanity to barricade himself inside, the report stated. He later knocked a hole in the bathroom wall in an attempt to reach the kitchen, according to the statement. Officers used more pepper spray in the hole and forced open the bathroom door. Officers removed Ford from the home and placed him under arrest, according to the statement.

Ford’s bond is set at $30,000 cash or surety.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

600 block of Woodbine Place, Cape Girardeau, Mo.