Employees at a dairy store in Norman, Oklahoma, were in for an unusual surprise when they arrived at work and discovered an unexpected guest napping in the ceiling of the eatery. Philip Hickman, 41, was found snoozing in Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store on September 9, as captured by police bodycam footage of the discovery. The discovery was made after employees called the police around 6 a.m., suspecting a robbery due to fallen ceiling tiles and damaged security cameras, as reported by News 9. Upon arrival, Norman Police officers found the homeless man inside the building.
In the bodycam footage, Officer Deatheridge can be heard remarking, “Got some dummy up in the ceiling. Man, I don’t know how he’s laying up there like that.” Firefighters used a ladder to access the man, who pretended to be asleep to avoid arrest. “The guy is laying in the rafters, we can’t get him to move or do anything. We got no idea how to get him down,” one of the emergency responders stated. Eventually, Hickman descended the ladder, shirtless and covered in dust, wearing just jeans and a ball cap. Officers promptly handcuffed Hickman, who remained silent throughout the incident.
He politely provided his personal information before being escorted out of the store. “Just in time for breakfast,” Deatheridge joked. It remains unclear how Hickman gained access to the building, as there were no signs of forced entry. According to police, he caused approximately $1,000 worth of damages. Hickman did not steal anything from the store, nor was he under the influence. Police suspect he simply sought a warm place to sleep. The incident is still under investigation by law enforcement.
