An Ottumwa man was arrested Tuesday night, April 7th, in What Cheer after authorities say he was trespassing on a woman’s property and looking through her windows.
Terry Lankford, 54, was charged with Use of a Dangerous Weapon in the Commission of a Crime, an aggravated misdemeanor; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor; and Trespass — First Offense, a scheduled violation.
According to court records, Lankford was seen on the woman’s property looking into her windows before leaving a bag on the front porch and walking away. When officers searched the bag for identification, they found a glasses case containing used syringes and a plastic spoon.
After searching the property, officers located Lankford lying on his stomach near his bicycle, still on the victim’s property. Court records state that officers placed Lankford in handcuffs, and then rolled him over to check for weapons. Authorities found what they describe as a “homemade knife” or “machete” lying beneath him. Lankford admitted the bag on the porch was his, according to court documents.
Officers transported Lankford to the Keokuk County Jail, where the blade was measured at 13 inches in length. Court documents note that Lankford was carrying a dangerous weapon while committing the crime of trespass.
Lankford’s bail has been set at $2,500 cash only. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 17th.
Photo courtesy of the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office.
