INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An Indian River County woman chased an intruder from her home just before 11 p.m. on New Year’s Day after she woke up to find the man in an upstairs bedroom where she keeps a safe.
Rondal Powell, 53, of 1421 St. Davids Lane, Vero Beach, faces charges that include felony burglary of an occupied dwelling.
The victim reported she was in bed when she heard noises coming from down the hall. She exited her bedroom to find Powell standing in the doorway to another bedroom, according to the arrest affidavit.
Powell reportedly ran from the home when the victim began yelling at him. He jumped over a dog gate and ran down the stairs, nearly falling, on his way out.
Authorities arrived on scene and arrested Powell not far from the home, shortly after the incident.
The victim told authorities she recognized Powell from an encounter that occurred several weeks prior when Powell was attempting to purchase the victim’s car.
Powell claimed to be a friend of the victim’s housekeeper, who has access to the key code to enter the home, and knowledge of the safe’s location. He told authorities he entered the home to check on the victim because the front door appeared to be damaged. He also claimed he announced his presence.
Authorities did not find any notable damage to the front door.
Powell still faces one misdemeanor DUI charge from a prior arrest on Dec. 6, 2015. He posted bond and was released the same day, and was scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5 regarding the DUI.
Now Powell is being held without bond in the Indian River County Jail.
