Norman police arrest home invasion, rape suspect after 4 month crime spree

A community in Norman can rest easier at night knowing an accused serial burglar and rapist is behind bars. Norman police arrested 19-year-old Landon Appleby this week attempting to break into another home. The Cleveland County District Attorney's Office said on Friday Appleby was arraigned on 12 felony charges and his bond was set at $1,000,000. He is currently in the Cleveland County Detention Center.

Norman residents near 12th and Alameda Street have been living on edge since September. Police said that was when Appleby's crime spree started and ended this week.

“He would look for homes where he could make easy access or a door was left unlocked,” said Sarah Schettler, Norman Police Department.

Police said Appleby would break into homes late at night.

“Most often was found by the homeowner or resident standing in their bedroom,” said Schettler.

One victim told investigators she woke up to Appleby raping her. He fled the home before police got there.

“This is extremely terrifying,” said Schettler. “We know the fear this invoked in this neighborhood. A lot of these incidents were within several blocks of this part of Norman.”

A resident of apartments in the 1600 block of Alameda Street called police on Wednesday when they heard someone trying to open their front door. Police set up a perimeter and arrested the suspect after a foot pursuit. According to court papers, Appleby admitted to all of the home invasions, attempted burglaries, and the one rape. He told investigators the victim thought he was her husband. Appleby also told police he was breaking into homes to steal money.

Image Provided By: Norman Police

“We have spent a lot of hours, investigative and patrol, working in those areas to get this individual into custody,” said Schettler.

Police said Appleby lived only blocks from his victims. In the event Appleby is able to post bond, he will be required to wear a GPS monitor and is not allowed to contact victims.