Who is Eugene Howard Shelton? Naked man breaks into Phoenix home, later claims he was chased by an alligator

Eugene Howard Shelton informed the police that he had smoked methamphetamine before he was overtaken by the belief that an alligator was after him
PUBLISHED AUG 15, 2023
Eugene Howard Shelton told police that he believed alligators were after him (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
Eugene Howard Shelton told police that he believed alligators were after him (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: A Pheonix man is facing serious accusations after allegedly entering a random residence while naked over the weekend. There were multiple children present in the house at the time.

Around 2 pm on Saturday, August 12, law enforcement responded to a reported break-in at a residence on Windsor Avenue, situated close to 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road.

Who is Eugene Howard Shelton?

Eugene Howard Shelton is a 68-year-old man and resident of Phoenix City. There's not much information available about him. 

How did Shelton enter the house?

Shelton reportedly explained to authorities that his actions were the result of being pursued by an alligator.

Upon reaching the scene, an officer discovered a nude man, later identified as Shelton, lying on the driveway, with the homeowner positioned next to him, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.

As outlined in legal documents, Shelton informed the officer that he believed "alligators were after him." Despite his resistance, he was eventually subdued and handcuffed by the officer.

The homeowner recounted to police that he received a call from his children, who informed him that an unfamiliar man had forcibly entered their residence.

The children, ranging in age from 9 to 17, reported their efforts to prevent Shelton from gaining entry, including one child who struck the suspect's hand with an iron. However, Shelton persisted in pushing the door, eventually overpowering their resistance.

The father rushed home after receiving the call and discovered the suspect sitting on the living room couch, wearing only socks.

Was Shelton on drugs?

Following his apprehension, law enforcement located Shelton's underwear and a fanny pack next to the front entrance of the residence. Within the fanny pack, officers discovered two blue pills labeled M30.

According to official court documents, Shelton informed the police that he had smoked methamphetamine before being overtaken by the belief that he was being chased by an alligator.

During the course of the investigative interview, Shelton consistently inquired about the presence of dogs, expressing concern that he was being pursued by them, and explained that he undressed due to perceived biting sensations.

Shelton was placed under arrest and taken to the Maricopa County detention facility. He is facing accusations including burglary, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest.

His previous records reveal a lengthy criminal history spanning almost four decades, involving other offenses such as drug possession, making threats related to domestic violence, and engaging in disorderly conduct.

RELATED TOPICS PHOENIX NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Before his shocking arrest, Manuel Rocha served under both Democratic and Republican administrations during his 25-year diplomatic career
Dec 4, 2023
Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the authorities' awareness, prompting a demand for a $1M settlement for William Vannasap's injuries
Dec 3, 2023
Annette Pershal was shot multiple times with a pellet gun and her injuries were non-survivable, said authorities
Dec 2, 2023
Christina Riggs became the 18th woman in the US to be executed and was the youngest woman to be put to death at just 28
Dec 2, 2023
A fire, initiated posthumously, has raised suspicions as Griffiths was found shot but the autopsy showed no signs of smoke inhalation
Dec 2, 2023
As per the lawsuit, Gabby Petito's parents allege that Brian Laundrie's parents knew about their daughter's death along with the location of the crime
Dec 2, 2023
Jeremy is 5’11, weighs 245 lbs., has brown hair that is greying, green eyes and a greying beard
Dec 1, 2023
Jovannie Vega is accused of picking up the little boy and slamming him down onto the floor multiple times
Dec 1, 2023
'I feel bad for the families because I know exactly what they're going through,' said Mark Jacobo, whose son was killed in a firearm incident
Dec 1, 2023