Homeowner nabs intruder during apparent burglary

| September 29, 2012

A Kill Devil Hills homeowner ran down an intruder and held him for police after walking in on an apparent burglary early Thursday morning.

Klll Devil Hills police reported that Earl Winfree and his girlfriend Jennifer Cook had just come back from a visiting a friend when they noticed the glow from a flashlight inside the home.

When Winfree went inside, he confronted the intruder, who said he had meant to go into the house next door. Then he tried to get away, police said in a statement.

While Cook called 911, Winfree went after the intruder. He caught him just outside the house and held him until police arrived. Several items from Winfree’s home were found in his pockets, Kill Devil Hills police reported.

Arrested and charged with second-degree burglary and possession of stolen property was Julian Goulet, 17, of Kill Devil Hills. He was placed under a $10,000 secured bond.

“It was one of those rare occasions where the suspect was probably quite glad to see the police show up,” said Det. Kevin Davey.


See what people are saying:

  • Stephanie says:

    I wonder if this is the same punk that has been hitting all the medical offices on the beach.

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 11:32 am

  • SunScents says:

    Three cheers for the good guys!!!

    17 years old and already breaking into houses. Let’s hope this kid gets things together soon. It’s just so much easier to get a job and be productive than it is to be a crook.

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 11:33 am

  • OBX says:

    Where in KDH did this happen? Light on the details, OBV…

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 11:33 am

  • OBX Non-resident says:

    “It was one of those rare occasions where the suspect was probably quite glad to see the police show up,”

    I love that quote. Young punks….. take note.

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 12:29 pm

  • NagsHeader says:

    “It was one of those rare occasions where the suspect was probably quite glad to see the police show up,” said Det. Kevin Davey.

    LOVE IT!!!

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 2:40 pm

  • Awesome says:

    Good for you Earl.

    Earl is a nice guy. A jokester, with an easy going personality.

    However, he is also an ex-Marine and combat vet and is not to be messed with.

    He knows how to handle himself and doesn’t put up with no crap.

    Hearing the story 1st hand had me in tears from laughter.

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 4:00 pm

  • Jason says:

    U guys are lame for deleting my comment about earl beating him up et the truth Come out then these kids will think twice Come on voice don’t pick and choose that’s why it is the obx voice!!

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 7:03 pm

  • Vballer says:

    Would have beat the crap out of him a little too. It’s what needs to be done around here a lot more! Hats off to the home owner!!

  • on September 29, 2012 @ 8:27 pm

  • Happy says:

    Yeah!!!

  • on September 30, 2012 @ 7:42 am

  • KDH Rezident Evil says:

    Happy endings make me weepy. Way to go Earl and Jennifer!

  • on September 30, 2012 @ 3:28 pm

  • obxer longtime says:

    Wow, a 17 year old breaking into houses?? Jeez, where (and who) are this kid’s parents?

    Kudos to Earl for his bravery and holding this kid until the cops got there! I hope he scared him straight!!

    Please let us know what happens with this case and this kid, OBV….seems like we hear about the crime but not the time. I want to know if this kid is out on the streets anytime soon. Locking my doors now!

  • on September 30, 2012 @ 4:10 pm

  • Philly joe says:

    Good going Earl! Thank God Jenn was not by herself ..who know what would happen.. Earl prevail!

  • on October 1, 2012 @ 12:44 pm

  • Yes says:

    If you are going to break into a house, don’t break into a house where a Marine lives. Hoorah!

    I’m sure this comment won’t get posted.

  • on October 1, 2012 @ 1:15 pm

  • Timothy says:

    Outstanding!

  • on October 2, 2012 @ 7:03 am

  • Allan2 says:

    Great story. I understand there are laws in the UK that we will probably see here soon. If a criminal is injured in such an event there and the home owner inflicts too much “punishment” it is or may be considered by the courts as partial punishment and in some cases it may offset what would normally be administered by the court. Obamma has that one on the back burner for now but we must remember his quote…”After I am re-elected, I will have more flexibility”. Please convey this message to Comrade Putin.

  • on October 2, 2012 @ 7:35 pm

  • tom says:

    it’s unfortunate, but whipping a little home grown punishment is the only thing that might make an impression. Way to go Marine!

  • on October 2, 2012 @ 8:03 pm

  • Barbara Goulet says:

    I am a retired, 23 year Army, Military Police Officer and the mother of Julien. I took an oath to never lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those that do. I’ve raised my children with those same values.

    To Earl and Jenn, words cannot express how sorry I am for my son’s actions. The pain is overwhelming. I’ll never understand.

    Barb

  • on October 3, 2012 @ 6:23 pm

  • Parent says:

    God bless you mom. Very brave of you to respond. Thank you for your service. Prayers for your family.

  • on October 4, 2012 @ 8:26 am

  • earl says:

    I don’t blame the parents at all. We all know at17 kids listen to everyone else. Thanx to all for your support. Barb thanx for your service and apology I know the emotions your facing must be difficult.

  • on October 4, 2012 @ 10:25 am

  • Killa B says:

    Hit’em up “Mudfoot” SCG’s for life! The voice is great.

  • on October 4, 2012 @ 2:56 pm

  • skiffguide says:

    Hope the kid get scared straight. Spanking a kid when he’s 17 is too little too late- spanking a kid when he’s 10-12-or
    14 would do him some good, but in this “new world order”, would probably land his parents in jail for child abuse.

  • on October 4, 2012 @ 4:55 pm

  • TB says:

    To Barb and Earl: You are both class acts. I have rejuvinated faith in the human race in the way you two have handled this. Here’s hoping Julien will learn from this.

  • on October 7, 2012 @ 10:03 am

  • Fla now says:

    This is why I live in florida now. ROBBED of everything parents left me !KDH police a joke, thats why you have the third street gang and such a heroin problem there now! Many more “Julian”s to take his place :( GOOD LUCK

  • on October 26, 2012 @ 8:46 am

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