Homeowner Finds Intruder Slumped Over In Living Room Recliner

  • Friday, March 20, 2015
Brian Craig Peden
Brian Craig Peden

A homeowner said he came home and discovered his garage door open, then later found an intruder slumped over in his living room recliner.

Brian Craig Peden, 30, of Tunnel Hill Road, Cleveland, Tn., was charged with aggravated burglary, having contraband in a penal institute and possessing a controlled substance.

In the incident on Tuesday, Stephen Hayes of Royal Harbour Circle said when he went into his garage he found a case for a power drill was open and out of place. He also found his camouflage jacket on steps leading to the house.

Mr. Hayes said he went back to his vehicle and retrieved his handgun. He entered his house through the kitchen with the weapon holstered. He said when he saw sunglasses in the kitchen that were out of place he drew the gun and began checking out the residence with the gun drawn.

He then found the man slumped with his head between his legs. He was unresponsive.

Mr. Hayes said he quietly backed out of the house and called police.

Several deputies went inside and found the man in the same position.

Peden was then roused and taken into custody after the homeowner said he did not know him and had never seen him before.

There were no signs of forced entry into the house. The Hayes couple found that a majority of their belongings had been rummaged through.

In searching Peden, officers found a Walmart phone card and a Wage Works health card with the name Bridget Hayes.

Peden said he had been invited to the house by Lauren Hayes, the daughter of the Hayes couple. He denied taking any of their property.

During a strip search at the jail officers found numerous pills in small plastic bags in the coin pocket of Peden's denim jeans. He had schedule IV narcotics, it was stated.

Peden has faced prior drug, theft and driving charges.

 

Breaking News
New Hope Fire Department Disputes TWRA Report On Kayaker Rescues
  • 3/28/2024

New Hope Fire Department Corey Comstock disputed a report by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency about the rescue of 33 kayakers from extremely high winds near Nickajack Cave on Monday. ... more

Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
  • 3/28/2024

A woman died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a house fire on North Moore Road Thursday afternoon and was rescued by Chattanooga firefighters. Hamilton County 911 received a call ... more

Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
Motorcyclist Hit Speeds Of 170 MPH; Posted Video Of Outrunning Police
  • 3/28/2024

A motorcyclist fled on Sunday, from a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempting to make a lawful stop on Highway 27. Since that time, the deputy has been working leads to identify the ... more