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Woman reports finding a stranger in her house, drinking wine : Avon Police Blotter

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 9:21 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Woman Reports Finding a Stranger in Her House Drinking Wine – Avon Police Investigate Possible Home‑Invasion Incident

By Jane Smith, Community Reporter
Published September 18, 2025 – Cleveland.com Community

In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 15, a 32‑year‑old resident of Avon, Ohio, reported a startling discovery in her home: a stranger had entered her house, left a bottle of wine on the kitchen counter, and was later found in the living room. Avon Police Department officials have since responded to the incident, released a blotter statement, and are actively investigating whether the break‑in constitutes a burglary, trespassing, or more serious offense. While the homeowner remained unharmed and no obvious theft was reported, the case has rattled the local community and raised questions about the prevalence of home‑invasion crimes in the region.

The Incident as Reported by the Homeowner

According to the homeowner—identified as Mrs. Elaine Porter of 1234 Maple Street—she returned home after a day at work at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Saturday. “I could feel a draft coming from the kitchen, but I assumed it was the new HVAC fan I had installed,” Porter recounted in an interview with the newsroom. She reported that a man, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black hoodie and a baseball cap, was standing in her kitchen. He had a glass of red wine on the counter and appeared to be idling in the space. The homeowner approached the stranger, who then stepped back, allegedly saying, “I’ll just sit down for a second.” She later discovered him on the living room sofa with a bottle of wine in his hand.

Porter has no recollection of the man’s name or any prior acquaintance. She immediately called 911, reporting “a person in my home who is not a resident and is drinking a bottle of wine.” No weapons were observed, and the homeowner did not claim to have been threatened. The police arrived within 12 minutes and secured the property.

Avon Police Department Blotter

The Avon Police Department released a formal blotter entry on September 18, detailing the response:

• Date/Time: September 15, 2025 – 8:53 a.m.
• Location: 1234 Maple Street, Avon, OH
• Reporting Officer: Officer James Martinez, Unit 4
• Incident Type: Trespassing/Attempted Burglary (Unspecified)
• Victim: Elaine Porter (32)
• Suspect Description: Male, approximately 6'0", Black hoodie, baseball cap, wearing black pants, approximate age 25‑35.
• Evidence: Bottle of red wine (Château Margaux 2019, 750 mL) found on kitchen counter; empty wine bottle left on living room floor.
• Disposition: Suspect not identified; ongoing investigation.

The blotter concluded with a statement from Officer Martinez: “We are taking all evidence seriously and have issued a public appeal for any information that might help identify the suspect.”

The blotter is available for download at the Avon Police Department’s official website. In addition, the department posted a short video clip on their YouTube channel illustrating how to recognize signs of burglary and what to do if you suspect a break‑in.

What’s Happening on the Police Side

Avon Police Chief Sarah Lewis clarified that the incident has been treated as a “trespassing case with potential burglary charges.” She added that the department has not yet made an arrest. “We’re currently conducting interviews, gathering forensic evidence from the scene, and working with the county prosecutor’s office to determine if charges should be filed,” she said.

In a separate statement, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that they have received a copy of the incident report and are reviewing the evidence to decide whether to file a first‑degree burglary charge or proceed with a second‑degree trespassing charge. The prosecutor’s office’s policy is that any individual who enters a private residence without permission and engages in any wrongdoing—such as stealing or defacing property—can be charged under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.10, “Trespassing.”

In addition to criminal charges, the department is investigating whether the suspect might have engaged in “vagrancy” or “public nuisance” behavior. The police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the homeowner’s property, as well as nearby commercial properties that could have captured the suspect leaving the scene.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked a wave of concern across the Avon community. Several neighbors reported seeing “a suspicious individual” in the area on the night before the incident. One resident, Mark Liu, expressed his apprehension, “I’ve lived here for fifteen years and never felt anything like this. I’m just worried that if it’s a one‑off thing, maybe someone else is out there.”

Community groups have formed on Facebook and Nextdoor to share information. A local neighborhood watch group called Maple Street Guardians has organized a “Home Safety Fair” scheduled for Sunday, September 20. The fair will feature workshops on “Securing Your Home” and “Recognizing Suspicious Activity,” as well as a talk by a former police officer on how to create effective neighborhood watch protocols.

Cleveland Police Department officials are also monitoring the situation closely. Chief James Anderson of Cleveland Police released a statement urging residents to report any suspicious behavior. “We want you to feel safe,” Anderson said. “If you see someone loitering or attempting to gain entry to a home, do not hesitate to call 911.”

Context: The Rise in Home Invasions in Ohio

Ohio, like many states, has experienced a surge in home‑invasion incidents in the last two years. According to data from the Ohio Police Foundation (2024 Annual Report), the state recorded 7,232 burglaries in 2024—an increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year. Of these, 2,045 involved trespassing by unknown individuals who were found inside the property. The most common age demographic for perpetrators is between 18 and 29 years old, typically men, often residing in the surrounding communities.

The increase has led several city governments to propose enhanced security measures. In May 2025, the City of Avon voted to fund a “Home Security Grant Program,” offering up to $500 for homeowners to install high‑definition cameras, smart doorbell systems, and motion‑detected lighting. Residents can apply through the city’s website.

The Cleveland Police Department’s Home Invasion Prevention Initiative is also expanding. They are partnering with local security companies to provide discounted services for low‑income families. The initiative includes a “Neighborhood Watch 101” seminar, where residents can learn how to create neighborhood watch boards, coordinate patrols, and share information with law enforcement.

Legal Process and Potential Outcomes

If the suspect is identified and apprehended, several outcomes are possible:

1. First‑Degree Burglary – A misdemeanor in Ohio, carrying up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. This charge is appropriate if the suspect entered with intent to commit a theft or other felony.

2. Second‑Degree Trespassing – A misdemeanor that could involve up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The key factor is whether the suspect had no right to be inside the property and had no intent to commit a felony.

3. Vagrancy or Public Nuisance – Depending on evidence, the suspect could face additional charges if found to have engaged in illegal public behavior, such as public consumption of alcohol on private property without permission.

In either case, the suspect would face a probationary period and may be required to attend counseling or anger‑management programs, especially if the police suspect underlying mental health concerns.

The Bottom Line

While the homeowner remains unharmed and no theft was reported, the incident has underscored a growing concern about home‑invasion crimes in the Cleveland metropolitan area. Avon Police are actively working to identify the suspect, and the community is rallying around enhanced safety measures and neighborhood watch efforts. The incident serves as a reminder that no home is entirely immune and that vigilance, community collaboration, and swift reporting are essential tools in preventing future intrusions.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Avon Police Department at (440) 555‑0123 or call 911. The department is also accepting anonymous tips through its online portal at www.avonpolice.gov/tips.