November 15

Woman Escapes Prowler By Fleeing House

AURORA, OR: Melody Palmer of Aurora escaped a prowler last night who entered her house while she slept. There was no sign of forced entry, leading police to speculate that Mrs. Palmer had left a door unlocked.

Mrs. Palmer reported being awakened by a sound she believed to be her dog, a miniature poodle prone to epileptic seizures. She went downstairs to check on the dog and encountered the intruder, whom she described as 5’6” to 5’8” with dark skin and wearing a cloth wrapped around his head, which Mrs. Palmer described as a “turban.” The man reportedly threatened her and she fled through the back door. She ran to a neighbor’s house, who called the police.

The intruder had fled by the time police arrived. Nothing of value was stolen, though police confirmed the presence of wet footprints in the living room and kitchen. Area residents reported seeing a stranger in the vicinity earlier that day who fit the description given by Mrs. Palmer. Police continue to investigate.