PATRICK O’GARR, 29 Was detained by neighbors
INTRUDER FROM R.I. BROKE-IN BY SHATTERING FRONT WINDOW
In a stunning development, all charges have been dismissed against a Rhode Island man arrested here in a bizarre home invasion here more than a year ago.
Defendant Patrick O’Garr, 29, of Providence, Rhode Island, had been charged with Breaking & Entering (felony), Destruction of Property, Imper- sonating a Police Officer, and Public Intoxication. All of those charges are now dismissed.
Neither O’Garr nor his attorney, Carter Allen of Farmville, appeared in court last Wednesday for the dismissals.
SHATTERED GLASS
It was late Friday night, May 17th, 2024 — shortly before Midnight — when a female resident in the 500 block of South Main Street was awakened by the sounds of glass breaking on her front porch.
The local resident had fallen asleep while listening to a podcast. Her lights were on at the time of the break-in.
The victim, who didn’t know or recognize O’Garr, said the intruder held-up his hands and arms as if he were holding a gun and ordered her to get down. She said she continued to back away and tried to open the front door but failed.
She said the intruder followed her and again ordered her to “get down.” She was able to get around the suspect into the next room. At that time, the suspect, who had difficulty opening the front door, exited.
That’s when three men from a neighbor’s house — they had heard commotion next door and were concerned — confronted the unarmed suspect and were able to detain him until police arrived. O’Garr was held at Piedmont Regional Jail for several weeks before being freed on bond.
LEGAL OBSTACLES
Nottoway Commonwealth’s Attorney Leanne Watrous this week called the O’Garr case “unique” due to the “concerning facts and how they did not align well with legal requirements for the primary charged offenses…. Under Virginia law, some charges require proof of a specific intent – namely, intent to commit a misdemeanor at the time of the breaking and entering, and that the destruction of property was intentional.
“In reviewing the evidence, the Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney (David Chappell) identified concerns regarding the ability to prove the required intent based on the unique facts of the case.
“O’Garr appeared to be highly intoxicated when he entered the residence through a window. It is unclear whether he broke the window or fell through the window. O’Garr sustained cuts, likely from the broken window, and left blood on various items inside the home.
“Upon encountering the homeowner, O’Garr told her he was the police and gestured with his hands as though holding a long gun like a rifle or shotgun, though he did not possess a firearm. O’Garr asked the homeowner to show him how to exit the residence, and she directed him to the front door.
Ms. Watrous continued, “While O’Garr attempted to leave, she was able to call for assistance and ultimately helped him open the door when he struggled to do so. Neighbors intervened outside and kept O’Garr at the scene until law enforcement arrived. The responding officer reported that O’Garr exhibited severely slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, difficulty sitting up, and significant difficultly walking or standing.
“Given the high level of intoxication and the defendant’s behavior inside the residence, the prosecutor determined that establishing the required intent for the breaking and entering and destruction of property charges would be challenging.
“Working in collaboration with the victim, the Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney sought a resolution focused on accountability, restitution, and addressing the underlying substance abuse issues. As part of the resolution, O’Garr paid full restitution for the damaged property and window, participated in group counseling and individual counseling, and addressed his alcohol use through compliance with an interlock device and sustained sobriety.”
The victim this week told the Courier-Record, “While I respect the court’s decision, I am surprised by the dismissal of all charges given what occurred that night. The events of that night were frightening and have had a lasting impact. Being alone and coming face-to-face with an intruder caused both significant damage and emotional distress.
“I am grateful I was not physically harmed, and I continue to focus on healing and restoring my sense of safety. I sincerely hope that Patrick has been able to receive support and treatment for his struggles with alcohol, and any underlying challenges he may have been facing, so that he can move forward in a healthier direction.”
O’Garr, who reportedly has not apologized to the victim, left considerable blood inside the home after breaking the window and crawling inside.
According to military sources, O’Garr — who has served in both the New Hampshire and Rhose Island National Guards — is not affiliated with the Virginia National Guard and had been at FASTC (Foreign Affairs Security Training Center) at Fort Pickeett to train as part of a hiring process for a private security contractor.
There were reports that the suspect had been drinking at a downtown establishment on the night in question and was staying at a local lodging establishment. Before the break-in, he had been seen staggering while walking downtown.
A previous Instagram account with the suspect’s first and last name, and a photo similar to his, described himself as “weekend warrior and immature” and “only happy when I’m caffeinated, intoxicated and/or” (expletive) (expletive) up.”
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