An Appalachian State
University student turned himself into the Town of Boone Police
Department Oct. 1 in connection with a reported burglary of an occupied
apartment on Park Street in Boone.
During the early hours of Sept. 19 a 19-year-old female awoke to
find a man, William Crawford McMurray, 22, a freshman at Appalachian
and a resident of Mooresville, attempting to remove articles of
her clothing, according to a press release from the Boone Police
Department.
The Boone Police responded to the reported burglary. Further investigation
found that McMurray attended a party the victim had attended earlier
that night, according to the press release.
The Boone Police issued a warrant for McMurray’s arrest on
Oct. 1. McMurray came to the police department the same day and
was arrested, according to the police report.
A Watauga County magistrate placed McMurray under a $25,000 dollar
secured bond. McMurray’s court date is set for Oct. 22, 2003
in the Watauga County District Court.
According to the University Police Web site, a burglary is defined
as “the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or
theft.”
In 2002, there were 57 cases of burglary reported to the Boone Police
Department. Out of those 57 cases, only 10 were cleared. There were
11 cases of burglary reported to Appalachian Police.
“People always think that nothing ever happens in Boone. To
a large degree nothing does, but there still is crime,” Captain
William Greene of the Boone Police Department said. “You should
always make sure that all your doors and windows are locked, and
always be aware of your surroundings.”
Greene also suggests strength in numbers.
“You should always use a buddy system when you go to functions,”
he said. “If you become inebriated, that person can take you
home and be with you for a while or until you are able to care for
yourself. Also, you should always let someone know of your whereabouts
if you go out.
“I know when you go out to functions, you like to make friends
and talk with people you may not know, but be careful. Make sure
you are familiar with the folks you are hanging out with. The bottom
line is to always use common sense.” |
