Oneida Man Not Cutout To Be Car Burglar

Oneida, TN (2011-01-24) An Oneida man who allegedly cut himself while trying to burglarize a vehicle in the parking lot of the local hospital is facing auto burglary charges following his arrest by the Oneida Police Department.

Nathan P. Murphy, 25, of Oneida was arrested on January 15, 2011 at St. Mary’s Medical Center of Scott County after authorities allegedly discovered a stolen purse in his car. According to an arrest warrant filed by Joshua Kennedy of the Oneida Police Department, hospital security called the Oneida Police Department to the medical center after a visitor reported her purse had been stolen and a blood splattered purse has been observed in Murphy’s vehicle.

As Murphy, who has reportedly admitted himself to the hospital’s emergency room for a laceration to his index finger, was being discharged, officers reportedly approached him in the parking lot. After receiving consent to search his vehicle, authorities allegedly found the purse, along with various blood stained items inside the purse and another bag in the backseat of Murphy’s vehicle. As officers continued their investigation, the victim reportedly arrived on the scene and identified the stolen goods.

In addition to the stolen items, officers also allegedly observed footprints in the snow near the victim’s vehicle that matched the suspect’s shoes, along with fresh blood splatter near the victim’s car.

Murphy was charged with auto burglary, theft of under $500, and vandalism.