NJ Man Breaks Into Taylor Swift’s Mansion, Police Say

A 26-year-old New Jersey man was arrested this past week after breaking into the beachfront mansion of singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, and then taking his shoes off.

Richard J. McEwan of Milford broke into Swift's beachfront home in Westerly, R.I. on Friday, police said. He was charged with breaking and entering without the owner’s consent and trespassing.

He posted a $5,000 bond and was released. He's scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

McEwan scaled a wall on the western side of the large property at 5:10 p.m, police said. A witness spotted the suspect, but Swift was not home at the time.

The man then set off the burglary alarm, and police responded, police said.

The first officer who arrived on the property was able to make contact with a security guard, who apparently was not aware of the break-in. The guard could not hear the alrm because of the wind, police said.

The officer was soon joined by other officers and security personnel and they conducted a search outside the building.

After the suspect broke a glass door, McEwan was found in the foyer area of the mansion and fled when police spotted him.

McEwan had apparently driven from New Jersey to Rhode Island earlier in the day and parked outside before walking to the home and jumping the fence, police said. He also wandered the house "to find Taylor."

Police said a pair of orange shoes were found at the doorway where he broke in. Police said the suspect told them: 'I was always taught that when you go into someone's home, you have to take your shoes off,'" Lacey said.