BEDFORD — A 49-year-old Bedford woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly using a metal pole to assist in breaking into an elderly man’s residence early Wednesday morning.
Shannon R. Rishforth was arrested by the Bedford Police Department on preliminary charges of burglary while armed with a deadly weapon, theft, and residential entry.
The incident began at approximately 3:05 a.m. on April 22, when dispatch received a third-party call regarding an intruder at a home on Windwood Drive. The caller reported that an elderly resident was trapped inside his bedroom while a female intruder moved through the house.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Chase Hamilton, officers arrived to find Rishforth inside the residence. The male victim told investigators he was lying in bed when he heard someone opening his window. He watched as a woman climbed through the window and stood in his bedroom talking rapidly about a “Mexican,” though he could not understand her other comments.
The victim’s son provided officers with access to a comprehensive home security system. The footage reportedly revealed a chilling timeline at 2:00 a.m.: Rishforth is seen on the back porch carrying a silver metal pole. She is observed checking doors before moving a porch chair under the bedroom window to gain access.
The video shows Rishforth standing in the victim’s bedroom and later wandering through the kitchen and living area, still armed with the metal pole. Footage captured Rishforth taking a plastic container of food from the refrigerator, heating it in the microwave, and eating it.
Officers located the silver metal pole and the partially eaten food container near the front door. The bedroom window screen had been pushed up to allow entry.
Rishforth, who was recognized by officers from previous incidents, was taken into custody without incident at the scene. Police noted that she does not reside at the Windwood Drive address and had no permission to be on the property.
Rishforth was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Records indicate she was already on probation or parole at the time of this latest arrest.
The silver pole has been booked into evidence, and the investigation remains active as prosecutors review the security footage.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
