Drunk man invades home, challenges officers to a fight, police say

SALEM, N.H. — A homeowner in Salem, New Hampshire, woke up to an alarming discovery on his living room floor.

According to police, the caller, who lives on Main Street, woke up at around 2 a.m. only to find a drunken stranger wrecking havoc downstairs.

The police report shows the homeowner was woken up by loud noises coming from the first floor of his house and went downstairs to check what was happening. The homeowner told police he found a stranger sitting on his couch, who claimed he lived there.

The stranger identified himself as Phil Smith to the homeowner, who said he had never seen him before in his life. The police report does not indicate anyone else living in that home apart from the homeowner.

Philip Allen Smith, 27, of 11 Bailey Road in Salem, was found by responding officers face down on the living room floor and "highly intoxicated".

Officers said they found clear signs of forced entry and damage to a side door.

When officers began talking to Smith, they said he became aggressive and challenged them to a fight. Smith could not give police a reasonable explanation as to why he had broken into the house.

Smith is being charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespass and resisting arrest.

He was released on personal recognizance bail and has a hearing set at the 10th Circuit Court in Salem on March 4.

Cox Media Group