According to cops, a man broke into a Maine residence, unwrapped presents, caught some Z’s, and then refused to leave.
According to local Maine outlets WGME and WABI, the apartment’s tenant awoke on Sunday, Nov. 23, to find Jose Harvey of Milford asleep on the couch. The Bangor resident called police at 8:40 a.m. after discovering Harvey, 50, who allegedly refused to leave, according to WGME.
According to WGME and WABI, Harvey was unable to provide a rational explanation for his presence at the property when officers arrived.
According to the publications, police discovered unwrapped Christmas presents near the location where Harvey was discovered.
Harvey was detained and charged with severe criminal trespass, according to media reports. He was brought to the Penobscot County Jail. According to jail documents obtained by PEOPLE on Sunday, November 30, he is no longer being kept there.
The Bangor Police Department (BPD) did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According to the publications, the renter informed authorities that the bathroom window was open but the doors were secured.
In response to WABI’s Facebook coverage of the suspected break-in, BPD took the opportunity to give a safety reminder as the holiday season approaches.
“It goes without saying that routinely checking your window and door locks is a smart practice in this day and age. I know we shouldn’t have to, and that makes us unhappy,” the department wrote on November 25. “Surprises like this don’t put any of us in a festive mood, but even the Grinch figured out the chimney is always an option.”
“It pays to lock your doors and windows,” the BPD added. “Oh, and make sure that no gifts or packages are left in cars, even if they are in your own yard. Keep them out of sight while shopping as well.”
In a final reminder, the department encouraged Bangor residents to exhibit kindness this holiday season, adding, “Keep your hands to yourself, leave other people’s things alone, and be kind to one another.”
