Man accused of sneaking into Charlotte County business, claiming spirit told him to keep doors shut

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

A man was arrested after an employee said they found the man sleeping on a couch inside a Charlotte County business.

At approximately 9:49 p.m. Monday, Charlotte County deputies responded to the business located at 5260 Duncan Road.

A woman told deputies that when she arrived for work, she noticed strings tied around the door handles and saw a bicycle. She then saw a man who appeared to be sleeping on the couch inside.

Deputies said they found no signs of forced entry when they inspected the front and rear entrances of the business.

Additional deputies arrived, and the man, later identified as John Maki, 34, awoke and stood up. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office report, Maki eventually came out to be detained after multiple verbal commands from deputies.

The report states that Maki initially told deputies that a friend told him to enter the business using a key given to him and to check if anyone was inside.

Maki told deputies that the person said he could stay and rest if no one was present. According to the report, Maki had multiple keys and stated that one of them belonged to the business.

Maki was taken to the hospital after complaining of foot pain. During the ambulance ride, he reportedly stated he gained access through an unlocked front door before dawn.

According to the CCSO report, Maki told deputies that a spirit told him to tie strings around the door handles to keep them shut.

Maki then laid down on the floor and moved to the couch after hearing a noise and fell asleep, according to the report.

After he was treated for his injuries, Maki was arrested on charges of burglary of an unoccupied structure and petit theft for taking multiple items from the business valued at less than $100, CCSO said.

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