Alabama man arrested for allegedly throwing tool at house in case of mistaken identity

A 45-year-old man was arrested for throwing tools at a home in west Mobile in an incident that generated widespread attention on social media.

James Edward Kelly of Mobile was arrested Tuesday and booked into Mobile Metro Jail on one count of criminal mischief.

According to Mobile police, Kelly was allegedly “visiting” a home in the 4400 block of Knob Hill Drive “where he believed a known individual was living, but that individual” was no longer living at the address.

Police did not release any additional information, including motive.

Kelly’s charges stem from a June 10 incident, occurring at 8:38 a.m. that was captured on a Ring camera. Officers discovered the unknown man throwing a wrench towards the home, shattering the glass front door.

Kelly was also observed on camera leaving an object on the front porch which reads, “Respect All, Fear None,” before running away.

The Ring camera was installed after the first incident occurred at approximately 10:42 p.m. on June 4. During this incident, an unknown person threw a tire iron through a window.

The June 10 incident drew the attention of Michael McWhorter, better known to his more than 6 million followers on TikTok as TizzyEnt, who urges Mobilians to find out who is the culprit and have him arrested. More than 7,700 users have since commented.

McWhorter uses the social media platform to seek justice for victims of verbal and physical harassment, as well as criminal acts.

“That’s a grown man who is running back to his car,” McWhorter said in a TikTok post. “Not a teenager.”

McWhorter claimed the residents were living in fear “because someone is targeting them.” He also said the homeowners claimed they have never displayed political flags or signage, nor anything else that could be “misconstrued” as a cultural or political statement that might draw vandals.