Police: Man claiming to be repairman scares residents

PORT CLINTON – Some city residents are shaken up after a man claiming to be a solicitor had allegedly been going door to door and snooping around their homes this week.

On Tuesday afternoon, Lisa Kline, who lives in the 600 block of Madison Street, said she was scared by a man banging on every door on her block.

“He then went to my back kitchen window and yelled, ‘Hello, I know you’re in there,’ ” Kline said.

She took to the Talk of Port Clinton (Uncensored) Facebook page to warn other residents about the man, who she said claimed he was working on a home a few houses down.

The man, reported to be dressed in light-colored jeans and white Adidas shoes with dirty blonde hair and facial hair, was also reported to be holding a black folder and red letter.

“He would not give me a name or let me see the folder,” Kline said in her post.

“I caught him in the act and yelled extremely loud for him to leave and he took off running,” she said.

Peggy Wamsley, of Maple Street, said she was visited by the supposed solicitor on Thursday afternoon and commented on the original thread.

“That guy was just here at my door! Told him I was gonna call the cops,” Wamsley said.

“It scared me at first was quick to lock the screen door. He took off quickly. ... The give away was that black notebook with the red lettering.”

The Port Clinton Police Department reported receiving several complaints about the man throughout the week and making attempts to catch him.

The third time was the charm, and officers said they were able to make contact with him Thursday.

“He was told he could not solicit without a permit from City Hall and warned he could be arrested if he continued,” Officer Mark Anderson said Friday.

Anderson said residents do not have to open the door for anyone but can always ask for a solicitation permit if someone comes to their homes. If the person is unable to produce one, tell the person they need to leave or that you are calling the police, Anderson advised.

“If you ever feel uncomfortable, don’t answer, don’t talk to them. Just call us,” he said.

jdenton@gannett.com

419-734-7506

Twitter: @jessicadentonNH