Officials Warn of Suspicious Man in Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL — Several people in the Chapel Hill community are concerned about a man knocking on doors with a child attempting to sell birdhouses. Multiple residents have taken to social media to warn others of his aggressiveness. Our news partner KETK spoke to local law enforcement about the situation. Both the Smith County Sheriff’s Department and Tyler Police Department confirmed the man in Chapel Hill has a long list of priors. While most of them are traffic violations or driving under the influence, the concern is his aggressiveness in the community. Chapel Hill residents have taken to Facebook saying the man has been frightening women and attempting to rob homeowners.

Smith Co. Sheriff’s Lt. Gary Middleton says law officers have had several run-ins with the man and are urging residents to stay vigiliant. “Just because someone has a child with them does not mean they’re on the up and up. People will use any means to gain entry into a house sometimes, get into some body’s checkbook, so you have to be very careful. We have done a little investigation and are keeping track of things, so if anything out of the ordinary does happen, we can act on it very quickly.” Middleton says law officers would rather run a call and have nothing happen than get to someone too late. He says if at any time residents are concerned or suspicious, they should call the Sheriff’s Department or 9-1-1. He also notes that although social media posts can be helpful, they can also be misleading or inaccurate.