Man arrested after entering New Albany home through unlocked door

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Police said a New Albany man broke into a home while a boy, left home alone, was inside.

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said officers arrested 54-year-old James B. Cook Sunday after they said he entered a home in the 1500 block of State Street and hid.

The family that lives in the home talked to WDRB Monday, but requested their identity not be shared because of privacy concerns.

"We're just kind of shaken up because we didn't expect that to happen yesterday," said the mother.

She said her husband had left the house to pick her up from work, and her son was home alone for around 10 minutes.

In that timeframe, she said Cook entered their home through an unlocked door.

"He interacted with my son and didn't seem to notice he was there, but still talking to him," the mom said. "My son went and locked himself in the bathroom and called us. We called police."

She said police arrived at the home in less than a minute and found the man inside.

"It seemed like he was probably looking for shelter or, maybe, I assume going to try and take a shower or something because he had taken some of his clothes off," she said.

She said their family is shaken up, but it served as a few reminders.

"We get comfortable and think we can just run to the store real quick or pick somebody up but we’re not really thinking what could happen in that time period. ... You should really lock your doors at all times and be really vigilant about that," she said. "We should utilize our neighbors more as a village and support system."

NAPD said witnesses saw Cook try to get into other homes before entering the residence on the 1500 block of State Street.

Police said it's a reminder to always lock doors, cars, and report any suspicious activity.

Cook is charged with felony residential entry.

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