Emporia Police officers say a break-in at a local apartment led to aggravated burglary charges against an Emporia man.
Officers say they were dispatched to The Villas, 1839 Merchant around 5 am Sunday for a reported burglary in progress. A woman residing at the complex says she woke up and found an unknown male in her apartment. The man allegedly pushed her against a wall and covered her mouth. The woman says she screamed, which got her husband. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Michael Hourel, ran off.
Officers arrived shortly after and quickly developed information leading to Hourel’s arrest.
Hourel was charged Monday with aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and other counts. He was scheduled for his first appearance in Lyon County District Court on Tuesday and now has a preliminary hearing at 2 pm July 25.
Hourel, a native of Andalusia, Alabama, is currently an Emporia State football recruit, having transferred from Highland Community College earlier this year after landing first-team All-Jayhawk Conference and second-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors as a linebacker. ESU Assistant Athletics Director and Head of Media Relations Don Weast says Hourel is on indefinite suspension at this time as the legal process unfolds.
Officers say the investigation continues. Residents with information can call the Emporia Police Investigations Division at 620-343-4225 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273. You can also submit tips online at p3tips.com.
8:30 am Tuesday: Charges filed in Emporia aggravated burglary case
Formal charges have been filed in an Emporia burglary case.
Michael Hourel, age 19 of Emporia, was charged Monday with single counts of aggravated residential burglary, aggravated assault, battery and criminal damage. The burglary count has an alternate of criminal trespass. Emporia Police officers say the charges stem from an alleged incident Sunday, but other details have not been released.
Hourel’s first appearance is at 1:15 pm Tuesday in Lyon County District Court.
