Richard Wade West
Police have charged Richard Wade West in connection with two break-ins at East Ridge homes.
West, 41, is charged with two counts of aggravated burglary.
At 7:49 p.m. last Sunday, a caller from John Ross Road advised police that a slim white male wearing a white tank top and khaki cargo pants broke into her basement and fled when confronted. She said a male friend who was in the house with her chased the man towards Missionaire Avenue.
The couple said they heard a loud boom that caused the house to shake. When the man went outside and located the intruder, he said he was "looking for Lori's house." The man, who had a large screwdriver in his pocket, then ran off.
After another call, police located West riding on a bicycle. He said he was "visiting my friend Lori."
West was brought back to the John Ross Road address and the man who had confronted the intruder said it was the same person.
Police got a second burglary call nearby on Land Street with the same suspect description. A woman there said a man in a white tank top and khaki cargo shorts tried to take her bicycle. She said the man asked if Lori was home.
The woman on Land Street also identified West, who police said has an extensive criminal record.