Suspect identified in house burglary
Published 2:00 pm Thursday, September 26, 2013
MONTICELLO – An alleged accomplice in an attempted house burglary has been identified and remains on the run today, Lawrence County Sheriff Joel Thames said this morning.
Thames identified Michael Alford, 34, of 995 Highway 84 W., Brookhaven, as the suspect who allegedly sped away in a pickup truck after an apparent burglary attempt at the home of David Maxwell of Monticello early Tuesday morning.
A second man involved in the incident, Matthew James Javor, 30, of Ruth, was shot dead by Maxwell as he walked into the kitchen of Maxwell’s house.
After firing at Javor, Maxwell said he exited his house and shot at an apparent accomplice who was waiting in a getaway vehicle. The vehicle sped away, and Maxwell then called 911.
Lawrence County deputies arrived on the scene around 4:30 a.m., and coroner Sidney Fortenberry pronounced Javor dead.
Alford is wanted for his connection in the incident and is being charged with burglary of a dwelling and home invasion, said Thames.
Alford is also wanted for arson charges in Lincoln County for burning the Dodge pickup that was used as the getaway vehicle, Thames added.
Maxwell said he fired two shots into the pickup truck as it left his property Tuesday morning.
“I fired the first shot at the tire of the pickup and the second through the passenger-side window,” Maxwell said. “I’m sure I hit him.”
Thames released the name of the Brookhaven man this morning in a public effort to assist with the investigation. Since Tuesday, Lawrence and Lincoln County deputies have been looking for Alford.
Any information that can assist with the investigation should be provided to the Lawrence or Lincoln County’s Sheriff Departments.