A woman was charged after she broke into a home in the early morning hours of Friday, Aug.3 while a family was still inside, according to a criminal complaint by the Racine County District Attorney’s Office.
Shenikia Riley, 24, of Racine, was charged by the Racine County District Attorney’s Office on Friday with attempted burglary of a building or dwelling and bail jumping.
If convicted of both charges, she faces up to seven years in prison and/or fined up to $22,500.
According to the criminal complaint, Racine Police responded to a suspicious person seen in a back yard at 6:15 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at 2200 Orchard St. The residents told the dispatcher that she could not see the person and she went to the upstairs of the home. The woman told dispatch that she could hear noises from the main level of the house and she took her and her children upstairs to barricade themselves in the bathroom.
When they arrived on scene, officers found Riley inside the home looking out the back patio door. Seeing the police, she closed the door and walked into the kitchen. Police ordered Riley outside and took her into custody. Riley told police she lived at the residence, and that she and her cousin were going to a barbecue. When officers asked Riley where her cousin was, she told them “right there.” She tried to move to see where he was, but then asked: “Where did he go? He was right there.”
Calling for more squads, the officer then went inside to look for the homeowner who had barricaded herself and her children in the upstairs. Crying and scared, the officer told her to stay there and would get them soon. After officers arrived, they searched the main level for Riley’s cousin. Not finding him, the officers brought out the woman and her two children.
The woman was shaking and crying as she told police what had happened. Riley was taken to the Racine County Jail. Her cousin was not located, but a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Riley was arrested for battery and disorderly conduct in April. She signed a bond for her release, which required her not to engage in further criminal activity.
A preliminary hearing has been set for 9 a.m. Sept. 9 in front of Racine County Court Commissioner Alice Rudebusch.