During home invasions, those who break-in sometimes leave clues or tips that authorities use to aid their searches. But very rarely do the home invaders leave behind an actual tip of a body part.
The Associated Press reports Hillsborough resident Vernon Wilson was arrested this week after investigators identified him by a finger left at the scene of an attempted break-in in Alamance County.
Burlington Police said officers responded to a report of an attempted home invasion on the morning of October 6. The department told the Associated Press a resident started a vehicle in their driveway and tried to go back into their home when an armed man approached them. The suspect, who had a firearm, attempted to force their way into the house, which Alamance County Crime Stoppers said is on Sellers Mill Road.
The resident and home invader then got into a struggle, with the resident attempting to shut the dwelling’s door. The suspect’s gun was fired, grazing the resident’s chest — the Associated Press reports the shot did not seriously injure the victim.
The suspect, however, had their hand closed in the door and eventually fled the scene. After the incident, investigators found the suspect’s glove, which fell off during the struggle, with a severed finger inside. The 67-year-old Wilson was later identified by his fingerprint, with Burlington Police officers and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office collaborating to arrest him on Tuesday.
According to the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson is being held under a $500,000 secured bond for charges including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of a weapon by a felon, and common law robbery. The Sheriff’s Office says his next court date is slated for Tuesday, November 1.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.
Related Stories
‹

Orange County Sheriff's Office Involved in Car Chase; Armed Suspect Later KilledOrange County Sheriff’s Office assisted in a vehicle pursuit early Thursday morning with an armed suspect, who was eventually shot and killed by officers from different agencies. According to a release from the office, Bruswick County authorities issued a ‘be on the lookout’ warning of a motorist suspected of making harmful threats to himself and […]
![]()
Additional Agencies Join Orange County Search for Murder SuspectFarrell was arrested Monday afternoon.**** Additional law enforcement organizations have been called in to assist as the Orange County Sheriff’s Office continues the search for a suspect wanted in connection with a fatal stabbing over the weekend. Authorities have obtained a warrant for first-degree murder for Mori Farrell Jr after authorities say evidence and […]

Carrboro Man Arrested, Charged With Sexual Exploitation of a MinorThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Carrboro man Monday and has charged him with multiple counts of sexual exploitation. 42-year-old Michael Robert Westendorf faces six felony warrants for second-degree and four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Second-degree exploitation includes duplicating material containing a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual […]

Wild Vehicle Pursuit Leaves 2 Orange County Sheriff's Cars Damaged, 2 Charged for Drug PossessionA cross-county vehicle pursuit on Wednesday resulted in two Durham residents facing several felony changes, as well as a pair of damaged Orange County Sheriff's vehicles and Alamance County properties.

Sheriff's Office: Moving Truck Hit and Run in Hillsborough Ends With Dramatic Chase, Stop in GreensboroA Virginia man faces several charges in North Carolina after an extensive vehicle pursuit that began with a hit-and-run case in Orange County. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office shared a release on Monday afternoon detailing the incident from Sunday night. Law enforcement officials were dispatched at 10:20 p.m. to help the Hillsborough Police Department with […]

'Who Are We Targeting?': Unpacking and Examining Impacts of ICE's N.C. OperationsThe Orange County community felt the impact of federal immigration officers’ presence. Weeks later, people are still unpacking their emotions.

Orange County Sheriff's Office: Carrboro Man Charged With 10 Counts of Child Sexual ExploitationThe Orange County Sheriff's Office announced charges against a Carrboro resident for the sexual exploitation of a minor Wednesday afternoon.

17-Year-Old Suspect Sought for Gunfire, Domestic Assault in Orange County Surrenders to AuthoritiesA 17-year-old wanted for a domestic violence incident involving gunfire turned himself in to the Orange County Magistrate’s Office on Monday.

Orange County Man Facing 14 Drug Trafficking Charges After Search, ArrestPolice arrested 35-year-old James Lorenzo Little on Thursday following a months-long investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Report: Hillsborough Home Invader Caught Red-FingeredDuring home invasions, those who break-in sometimes leave clues or tips that authorities use to aid their searches. But very rarely do the home invaders leave behind an actual tip of a body part. The Associated Press reports Hillsborough resident Vernon Wilson was arrested this week after investigators identified him by a finger left at […]
›