Mitchell Andrew Searle, 37, has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty on multiple felony charges stemming from a violent crime spree that terrorized residents of Belleview on the night of December 11, 2024.
Judge Peter Brigham handed down the sentence following Searle’s conviction for:
- Burglary with Battery
- Two counts of Burglary of a Dwelling
- Burglary of a Structure
- Three counts of Criminal Mischief
In addition to the life term, Searle received two concurrent fifteen-year sentences and a five-year concurrent sentence.
A Night of Terror
The chaotic night began when Corporal Harrington of the Belleview Police Department responded to a reported burglary in progress at Shepherd’s Lighthouse, a residential facility. Upon arrival, Cpl. Harrington noticed the front door open, but his attention was quickly diverted by yelling from a nearby residence.
Approaching the home, the officer could see the front door had been violently kicked in. A victim inside, along with their spouse and infant child, recounted the terrifying moments when the door was breached…