LOCKE, NY — A 62-year-old man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a tenant’s residence and attempting to prevent her from calling 911.
Michael R. Tibbits, of Locke, was charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and criminal trespass in the second degree.
Deputies responded to an address in the town at approximately 8:56 a.m. May 4 for a reported landlord-tenant issue.
The investigation revealed that Tibbits, who was the victim’s landlord, had broken the front door and forced his way into the victim’s residence, according to Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.
The victim attempted to call 911 for help, but Tibbits tried to take the phone from her to prevent her from calling for help, Schenck said.
Deputies located Tibbits a short time later at another address and took him into custody at 11:30 a.m.
Tibbits was transported to the Public Safety Building, where he was processed and turned over to CAP Court for arraignment.
He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Locke Town Court on May 20.
