A tense pre-dawn confrontation in Clermont County ended with an alleged intruder stabbed and a homeowner facing no charges, while the man accused of breaking in now sits in jail without bond.
Authorities say a homeowner on Bigam Road in Wayne Township stabbed 30-year-old Brandon Rorick after he allegedly forced his way into a bedroom where adults and children were hiding early Sunday morning. Deputies found Rorick outside the home with multiple stab wounds, took him to a hospital for treatment, then booked him into jail. He was indicted Tuesday on aggravated burglary and burglary charges and is being held without bond ahead of a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday morning.
What deputies say
According to the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, a woman called 911 around 4 a.m. to report someone trying to break into a bedroom at the Bigam Road home, WKRC reports. Deputies initially treated the situation as a possible domestic incident, but when they arrived they discovered a man who had been stabbed, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators say the suspect entered the home without permission and allegedly kicked down the bedroom door while people sheltered inside.
Homeowner's response
As detailed by WLWT, deputies say the homeowner used a knife to fend off Rorick after he knocked the door off its hinges. Adults and two children were inside the bedroom at the time, according to officials.
Authorities say Rorick then left the bedroom, exited the home and remained outside until deputies arrived, where they say he cooperated with officers. Investigators have not released any information about a possible motive for the alleged break-in.
Charges and penalties
The sheriff’s office says it sought charges after completing its initial investigation, and a grand jury indicted Rorick on one count of aggravated burglary and one count of burglary. Under Ohio law, aggravated burglary is a first-degree felony and burglary is generally a second-degree felony, both of which can carry substantial prison time if he is convicted.
The statutes are outlined in Section 2911.11 and Section 2911.12 of the Ohio Revised Code.
What’s next
WKRC reports that Rorick is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning and remains held without bond. Prosecutors will review the sheriff’s investigation and decide whether to move forward on the current counts or seek additional charges.
The sheriff’s office has not released further details as the investigation continues.
