Goldsboro man accused of bulldozing mobile home

Goldsboro, N.C. — A Wayne County man was arrested Saturday after police said he drove a bulldozer through the mobile home he shared with two roommates.

Michael Earl Ricks, 47, of 381 Slick Rock Road in Goldsboro, is charged with damage to real property.

Mary McDuffie and Christy Hughes, Ricks' roommates, said they had been arguing with Ricks. The women said Ricks had been drinking for several hours and got upset when they threatened to kick him out.

“I knew he was going to do something stupid, but I didn’t think he was going to get a bulldozer and plow my house down,” McDuffie said.

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Police: Goldsboro man bulldozed house

In the middle of the argument, they said Ricks left the home and got a bulldozer from his nearby employer, Best Sand and Gravel, Inc.

McDuffie was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher as the bulldozer hit the mobile home.

"He slams first into the front of the trailer after we got out," McDuffie said.

Both women got out safely, but said after Ricks ripped the mobile home apart, he chased them down the road to their landlord's home.

"He was beeping the horn...and coming right at us," McDuffie said.

Ricks was arrested at the scene. He was being held under a $1,500 bond at the Wayne County jail on Monday.

The women are now staying with their landlord.

In the 911 call, McDuffie said she had given Ricks a place to stay after he was released from prison.

Ricks has been convicted of armed robbery, common law robbery and writing worthless checks, according to State Department of Correction records.