A man from Florida is facing serious charges after allegedly breaking into a home while under the influence of methamphetamine. Austin Alexander Smith, 23, has been charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling and is currently in custody at Polk County Jail.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning in Winter Haven. Residents were jolted awake around 1:36 a.m. by a loud noise at their front door. Upon investigation, they found Smith in their living room, wearing only a shirt and holding a carpet cleaner that belonged to them. When confronted, he dropped the cleaner and fled the scene.
Winter Haven Police quickly responded and located a person matching Smith’s description nearby. After being detained, he was positively identified by the homeowner as the intruder. Authorities reported that Smith had gained entry by kicking in the front door.
Smith later told the police that he did not remember the events of the night because he was high on drugs. This incident raises concerns about substance abuse and its impact on community safety. The community remains on alert as police continue to address such crimes and work to protect residents.
