BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
TOMAHAWK — As temperatures plunged into the single digits Monday night and wind chills dipped below zero, an unknown man was reported walking door to door along Alex Place near Rockhouse, knocking on multiple residences without an apparent reason.
Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said the activity raised immediate concern among residents and law enforcement.
“It’s clear to me that if someone’s out prowling through a neighborhood well into the night when the temperature is 15 degrees and knocking on doors, they’re clearly up to no good,” Kirk said.
According to the sheriff, several homes were approached, and one resident opened the door to question the individual.
“He gave a name to the property owner, and one of my deputies located a subject by that name a short time later and questioned him. When located, the male was several miles from Alex Place and seeing that he was traveling on foot, it would be difficult to get that far in such a short time,” Kirk said. “For now, the investigation continues as we will be speaking with the homeowner who got a good look at the suspect to see if we can get a positive I.D., and we’re reviewing video footage that was captured.”
Kirk urged residents to remain alert and aware of unusual activity, particularly in rural neighborhoods.
Sheriff’s deputies routinely encounter individuals walking roadways at all hours, Kirk said, often in areas where they do not live.
“Neighbors need to watch out for neighbors, especially those who are elderly or live alone. Check on one another, and call or message with alerts if you see or experience anything that’s a matter of concern. Keep your doors, windows and vehicles locked at all times, and secure your outbuildings, barns and other structures with heavy locks and surveillance cameras if possible,” he said.
Kirk also encouraged the use of doorbell cameras and other video surveillance systems, noting that the technology has become more affordable and effective.
“Please do not ever open the door to someone you don’t know,” he said. “You can hold a conversation through the door from safely inside your home. Once you open that door, you could be setting yourself up for something bad to happen.”
Residents are urged to call 911 immediately if they observe similar activity.
“The quicker you take action and report it to 911, the faster we can get someone on scene,” Kirk said. “That gives us a greater chance of catching the suspect since they may still be on the premises or at least in the area.”
Kirk said public safety remains his top priority and encouraged residents to use caution before opening their doors.
“Unless you know them, trust them and feel completely safe with them walking through your door, do not open it. Common sense can go a long way toward staying safe.”
Anyone with information about the incident on Alex Place can contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 606-298-2828. Callers do not have to give their names.