Woman says newly installed security system alerted her to masked intruder

A Gretna woman is asking your for help identifying a man who broke into her home. Surveillance video shows the suspect rummaging through her belongings early Monday morning while she was in bed.

Sharrie told 6 News she woke up to her cell phone going off.

“At first I thought I was dreaming,” she said. “I grab my phone, and I’m watching the video, and I see a masked man in my house.”

Still half asleep, Sharrie says she wasn’t sure what was happening.

“It took me a while to figure it out. This is real. This is real time. This guy is in here.”

The suspect can be seen rummaging inside Sharrie’s bag before he makes his way into another room. Sharrie sounded the security alarm from her phone.

“I don’t think he knew he was on camera, because he came right up to it. I mean you can see him so clear,” she said.

Sharrie decided to lock herself in her bedroom to be safe and call police. She also called her daughter who lives nearby. Police swept the house, but the suspect was gone.

“He got in through a window in my garage and went through my car. My car door was open on the back side."

Sharrie says nothing was taken. Her home security system was installed just last week after her daughters told her it was a good idea.

“I’m glad I listened to them because it probably saved me.”

Sharrie hopes that others will keep their eyes peeled. The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office is asking that anyone with information about the identity of this suspect to contact Sarpy County Crime Stoppers at (402-592-7867).

Police departments across the county and in the metro have taken to social media to promote the “9 p.m. Routine.” The idea is that you make it a habit to lock your home and your cars every single night at 9 p.m. before you go to bed.