Movie town Trilith residents restrain burglary suspect after scuffle

Marietta man was charged with burglary and obstruction in connection with a Jan. 1 incident at Trilith (formerly known as Pinewood Forest) where he was physically detained by residents after they confronted him about entering their unlocked apartment.

Phillip Pfaffman, 20, was charged with burglary and obstruction, according to Fayetteville Police Department spokesperson Ann Marie Burdett.

Burdett said officers at approximately 5 p.m. on Jan. 1 responded to a burglary in progress call in the area of Heatherden Avenue.

“The caller reported to the E-911 Dispatcher they could hear a physical altercation taking place in the residence below theirs,” Burdett said. “A witness directed police to the location of the incident. Upon arrival, officers observed two males later identified as the residents of the apartment. One of the residents was detaining the unknown male by having him lie face down on the floor. Police observed the subject was bleeding from his nose, mouth and had several injuries to his eyes.”

Burdett said the officers identified themselves and attempted to arrest the subject. The subject resisted arrest after receiving verbal commands to place his hands behind his back. Subsequently, the subject was placed into handcuffs behind his back.

“After a short investigation, officers learned the subject entered the apartment’s unlocked door and began eating food and drink from the refrigerator,” said Burdett. “One of the residents was asleep in the living room and the other in a bedroom. The residents awoke to see a strange person in their apartment and confronted the individual. The individual responded with an epithet, and an alleged physical altercation ensued.”

Pfaffman was transported to an area hospital to receive an evaluation of the injuries, and was later transported to the Fayette County Jail, said Burdett.