A Sedalia man has been charged after being seen attempting to break into a residence on August 15.

The Sedalia Police Department says officers responded to the area of East 9th Street and South Garfield Avenue for a report of an attempted burglary. A witness told police that he had witnessed a suspect, identified as Thomas Howerton, attempting to break into a window at a nearby residence.

The witness saw the attempted burglary and followed the suspect until police arrived.

Howerton denied attempting to break into the residence when confronted by authorities. However, upon investigating the scene of the attempted break-in, police found glasses belonging to Howerton, which he admitted were his. Police also located a knife in Howerton’s pocket.

Howerton has four previous convictions for burglary, as well as a conviction for rape.

Court documents say Howerton has been charged with a felony for attempted burglary in the first degree.Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety.