Unwelcome late-night visit leads to one arrest
Staff writer
A stranger knocking on the door of a 76-year-old Hillsboro woman at 3 a.m. Sunday led to the arrest of a 60-year-old former Marion resident on suspicion of drug and burglary charges.
The 76-year-old, who lives in the 300 block of S. Wilson St., was awakened by the stranger, who asked for water and a change of clothes.
“Why she wanted a change of clothes is a mystery,” assistant police chief Randal Brazil said Monday.
After being turned away, the stranger proceeded to the 76-year-old’s garage, and the 76-year-old called police.
Arriving at the residence, Brazil found 60-year-old Dawn Herbel of Wichita, who apparently had been staying at another residence on the street and had walked to the 76-year-old’s house after confusing it for the house of someone she knew.
According to an offense report filed in the case, Brazil discovered an unspecified amount of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia while talking to Herbel outside the 76-year-old’s residence.
She was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and taken to Marion County Jail, where she continued to be held Tuesday in lieu of a $10,000 recognizance bond.
No items were reported stolen, and no signs of forced entry were reported. Sheriff’s deputy Joel Womochil assisted Brazil in investigating.
Herbel formerly operated a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchise and a seafood shop at the current location of Sew What Quilt Shop in Marion and resided before her divorce at a house near Canada.