By Mary Catherine Brooks
An Oceana man is facing multiple charges after illegally entering a home in Crany early Tuesday morning.
Chris Webb, 18, was charged with grand larceny auto, brandishing a weapon and impersonating an officer, according to Wyoming County Sheriff C.S. Parker.
Webb reportedly knocked on the door of the residence between 2 and 3 a.m., identifying himself as a police officer, Parker said. After entering the house, Webb took money from the billfolds of the residents, along with their identification, and riffled the house, according to authorities.
He carried a BB pistol which resembled the Glocks carried by sheriff’s deputies, Parker noted.
Webb had also pilfered several vehicles in the area, Parker said.
Additional charges are expected to be filed against Webb, the sheriff indicated.
The investigation is continuing.
Sheriff Parker cautioned homeowners that they should always make certain it is a law enforcement officer before opening their doors.
Deputies carry state-issued identification along with their badges, Parker noted.
Most importantly, deputies will not be offended if a resident calls the Wyoming County 911 Emergency Center to verify an officer is legitimate.
“Our officers always notify 911 of their whereabouts,” Parker emphasized. Most of the time, they have obtained directions to the house from the 911 Center, he explained.
Even when executing a search warrant, deputies will knock on the door, Parker said.
The only time deputies will force their way into a home is if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, Parker emphasized.
— E-mail: mcbrooks@register-herald.com
