OKC Police Search For Man Who Broke Into Tornado Victim's Home

Oklahoma City Police are looking for a man who broke into a tornado victim's home.

It happened just before noon, on July 2, at SW 148^th Street in far Southwest Oklahoma City.

The intruder may have thought the home was empty, but he then discovered he was not alone. There was a 16-year-old girl inside the house. The intruder took off and the teenager called police.

“It was locked, he busted it, he busted it open,” said Jason the homeowner. We agreed to hide his face for his safety. “This guy just knocked on the door, then 30 minutes comes in knocked on the door again.”

Jason said he was having lunch about 10 minutes away from his home when the break-in happened. Surveillance video from inside the home showed the guy wearing a bright orange reflective vest, similar to the kind you see road crews wearing. He quickly shut the door and walked through the house.

“What scared him off was my daughter being in her back bedroom, she was already on the phone with police,” said Jason.

Jason said the man even backed his truck in the driveway for a quick getaway. It's proof that he planned to target the house and possibly others in this tornado ravaged neighborhood.

“That's the crazy thing about it is that somebody is going to come in and steal stuff from homes that were destroyed by the tornado,” said Jason. “And that's the thing that upsets me the most.”

Jason said both their dog and his daughter were a little spooked by the intruder. And on the video it is obvious the intruder was spooked by them too. He was in and out in less than 15 seconds and left empty handed.

Jason is just impressed with his daughter's quick thinking.

“I was very, very proud of her for her reaction time - that was very quick,” said the proud poppa.

Jason said he now plans on getting outdoor surveillance cameras for his house as an extra precaution. He just hopes police catch the guy before he breaks into any more homes.

Oklahoma City Police say if you recognize the guy in the video you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.You can remain anonymous.