A disturbing video went viral on Twitter of a man with gloves and zip ties attempting to break into a woman's home while she was there.
Entrepreneur and social media influencer Kezia M. Williams shared in a later post the police found the man who tried to break into her home.
The video was of Williams, CEO of The Black upStart, bringing her dog inside as she sees a man who followed her home.
Williams posted the video from her doorbell's recording system to her Instagram with a caption describing the situation:
"This week an unknown man followed me home, and attempted to break in with zip ties in his pocket."
"I had just let my dog out. I heard him barking and this man was standing in my front yard."
"I barely got in the house and locked the door before he proceeded to turn my doorknob."
"Then he put on gloves and began to shove at my door attempting to force it open several times."
"Then he tried to lift every window. Tried to yank my balcony door open ripping my screen from its hinges."
"Circled my home three times and when my neighbor came outside, pretended to 'water my grass' like my 'lawn guy' so that she wouldn't become suspicious."
The man attempted to enter the home again after the neighbor left.
Williams was on the phone with 911 for 22 minutes as she locked herself in her room. The man fled when the police finally arrived.
One of Williams friends pointed out he didn't have a bag so he most likely wasn't there to steal something from her home.
Many on Instagram shared support for Williams after her terrifying experience.
@justinblu_/Instagram
@euniquejg/Instagram
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The video was also posted by @runawaymia on Twitter with an unsubstantiated claim the man had a gun.
A man followed a woman home & attempted to break in. He had zip ties, put on gloves and a gun . He tried breaking every window, shoving open her front door. He tore her balcony screen off.
THIS HAPPENED IN MARYLAND ‼️ pic.twitter.com/It6f2UgThD
— UNPREDICTABLE 🦋🇳🇬 (@runwaymia) October 28, 2021
Why did it take 22 minutes for the police to arrive? He had time to even water her lawn to pretend like he was supposed to be there? SCARY 😟 THE EVIL INTENT WAS DONE CALMLY.
— UNPREDICTABLE 🦋🇳🇬 (@runwaymia) October 28, 2021
He didn't carry a bag to steal things. And he didn't care that 2 cars were parked in her driveway. He somehow knew she was alone, she was being watched !
— UNPREDICTABLE 🦋🇳🇬 (@runwaymia) October 28, 2021
The replies as usual are filled with "Get a gun" but never the discussion of how countless women, especially Black women, get put away for defending themselves. Even shooting a warning shot can land you a couple years.
— Just a Nobody (@nobodyMiyu) October 29, 2021
She got inside just in time. This is so scary.
— Optimus Prima Dona (@drprimadona) October 28, 2021
Where's the men in these guys lives to tell them they're trippin .
— RICHARD (@Blaq_Alchemist) October 28, 2021
First time I've seen this question and not asking her why she got a gun. Thank you for this
— Black Femme Supremacy Stan Account ✨ (@femmepremacist) October 28, 2021
In broad daylight and in front of a camera (we all know what these doorbells/cameras look like)?!?!?!? This is beyond bold.
— Neele (@djhinds_) October 28, 2021
Idc what I'm doing or where I'm at. Any woman in my life call me saying something like this is happening I'm otw and it's sad that I'd probably get there before the police
— TG3 (@OleMufassa) October 28, 2021
Guarantee he's done this before. Who knows how many women weren't as lucky. He had gloves, didn't bother with a mask in broad daylight, put on an act as if he was supposed to be there. So much can happen in 22 minutes. Thank God she's still here.
— 𝙿𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌 👅 𝙻𝚎𝚜𝚋𝚒𝚊𝚗 (@UnlearningL) October 29, 2021
Since the video went viral, Williams was able to get a name and address of the man through another Instagram user which assisted police in finding him.
The man's mother also contacted the police after recognizing her son in the video.
Williams reported him to the police, but even with the video evidence there apparently wasn't enough to arrest the man.
Williams posted to Instagram:
"Yes! The suspect was identified but as of today NOT arrested."
"Even though his mom confirmed seeing her son in the video, the Commissioner said there is only probable cause for attempted burglary...which warrants a criminal summons not arrest."
"Of course, I'm disappointed."
"I sincerely appreciate the honesty of the suspect's mom. I really do."
"But I also can't shake the fear I still have , especially after finding out the suspects court cases date back to 2007."
"The day of the attempted entry, I feared by body would be violated versus stuff robbed."
"I don't know what it will take for an arrest. I thought my story/video would have warranted that already."
"But I do have paperwork."
"And I am still very grateful for the community who continues to envelope me and pray."
"No. I am not OK but I am believe for complete and total healing!"
Williams has said she already owns a taser and pepper spray, but will register and purchase a gun and doorstops for her safety.
She is thankful for all of the support from the thousands of people commenting and sharing her story.
Williams is looking forward to the day she can be in front of a judge for the hearing.