Swanton man lied about a home invasion, police say

By DAVID J. COEHRS

Enterprise Staff Writer

A village resident who claimed two armed men invaded his home Feb. 15 was lying, Police Chief Gary Lyons reported.

One warrant each for inducing panic and making false alarms will be served to Shane Bellmore, 36, of 305 Church St. The charges are first-degree misdemeanors, each carrying a punishment of up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Bellmore remains at St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee, where he was transported with an injured arm following the alleged disturbance.

Lyons said following an extensive investigation it was determined that Bellmore fabricated the home invasion. The motive is not known at this time.

Bellmore made the claim after Officer Dennis Sattison heard breaking glass and cries for help while driving a patrol car past the residence Feb. 15 at 6:12 a.m. He told Sattison two armed men had entered the house, but was not clear about what happened during the break-in.

His description of the vehicle they allegedly arrived in varied with questioning, Lyons said.

A woman in the residence identified as Bellmore's girlfriend said she slept through the incident. In addition to the broken windows, the house was reportedly "pretty well trashed inside," Lyons said.

Upon investigation, no footprints or tire tracks were found to indicate a home invasion, he said.

The charges were filed after Lyons consulted with Michelle Kranz, the village prosecutor.

No charges will be filed against Bellmore's girlfriend.

"We have determined that perhaps he had been tearing up the residence for some time," Lyons said.

He believes Bellmore reported the break-in to divert attention away from himself after becoming concerned he was making too much noise.

The Fulton County Auditor's Web site lists Rita Bellmore as the owner of the house.

Police have responded to several calls of domestic problems at the address in the past.