Oct 24, 2008 5:47 pm US/Eastern
Police Charge Man With Theft Of Women's Underwear
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) ―
-
-
A bizarre case unfolded in Howard County where police say a man was breaking into apartments and stealing women's underwear.
A bizarre case unfolded in Howard County where police say a man was breaking into apartments and stealing women's underwear.
Jessica Kartalija reports that's not all he took, and police say the crime could have had a much more tragic outcome.
It was at an apartment complex on Town and Country Road where Howard County Police say Brian Hong, 23, broke into at least 9 apartments.
"Members of the community were very concerned because not only were things like jewelry, cash and laptops being taken, but clearly this man was going into private bedrooms of these women and stealing very private items," said Sherry Llewellyn, Howard County Police spokesperson.
Police say in many cases, entire underwear drawers were cleaned out.
"Very intrusive, and it is just very disgusting. How else would a woman put it? It's just private, and they don't need anyone stealing it," said Susan Kelley.
In at least two cases, victims reported seeing Hong peeping through windows. In another case, police believe he stole a car after breaking in.
"There are concerns that perhaps this could have escalated to greater things, more serious things," said Llewellyn.
Detectives discovered Hong using a victim's credit card at a Howard County Exxon station. Police caught up with Hong and arrested him in Elkridge. They obtained a search warrant for his home where they uncovered many stolen items.
Questions were raised as to whether his victims were targeted.
"We understand that he had familiarity with this apartment complex. He knew some of the people there. That's why he was continually drawn back to that location. We don't believe any one woman was targeted, but clearly he went to places where he would find items inside," said Llewellyn.
"Walking the dog and stuff makes you wonder who is really in the neighborhood and what kind of creep would do that," said Kelley.
Hong faces several charges including burglary, theft, car theft and two counts of peeping Tom.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jewish Celebrities
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
