Teen Hides in Closet, Calls For Help During Home Burglary

A 13-year-old Palm Harbor girl hid in a bedroom closet and called for help while a burglar went through her home Friday (July 5), authorities say.

William C. Wilson, described by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as a “career criminal,” was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary to an occupied dwelling and for violating his probation.

Authorities said Wilson knocked on an Arcadia Drive residence's door around noon. When no one answered, Wilson parked his scooter in a nearby plaza, returned to the home and allegedly entered it by prying open a kitchen window.

Wilson filled a bag with jewelry, coins and electronic games, authorities said. 

“Deputies say when the victim ... realized the suspect was breaking into her home, she hid in a bedroom closet and called her mom, who in turn called 911,” a news release stated.

When authorities pulled up to the house, they said Wilson fled out the rear door. Wilson then entered the lanai of a Longleaf Lane home and allegedly tried to get into the house but was nabbed by authorities. 

Wilson is no stranger to trouble. The 47-year-old Pinellas Park resident was on conditional release after having served 20 years of a 30-year prison sentence for armed burglary, according to authorities.

This post was reported and written by Patch Local Editor John Majeski.