[Updated, April 1] West Hartford Police are still searching for a suspect who assaulted a homeowner during a burglary, and are asking for the public to contact them with any information.

West Hartford Police Department Badge

By Ronni Newton

[Updated, April 1]

West Hartford Police are continuing their investigation into a burglary that occurred Thursday afternoon at a home at 250 Bloomfield Ave. where the homeowner received serious injuries as a result of a confrontation with the burglar.

According to Lt. Ted Stoneburner, the homeowner, who is in his late 70s, heard noises and went to investigate. “He thought his cats had knocked over some objects,” Stoneburner said.

As the homeowner headed upstairs, the burglar was on his way down the stairs carrying some objects, said Stoneburner. The burglar crossed paths with the homeowner and headed out the door. The homeowner confronted the burglar in the driveway.

Stoneburner said that as the homeowner was attempting to take a picture of the burglar’s car, he received a blow to the head with a rock or some other type of implement. The burglar stole the homeowner’s phone, as well as other items which police did not disclose.

The victim’s received severe injuries as a result of the assault, Stoneburner said, including bruises, contusions, a concussion, and possible broken ribs. He was transported to a local hospital but was back home Friday and is recovering.

Stoneburner could not confirm that the victim was knocked unconscious from the assault, but said it would explain the several-hour delay in contacting police. Police were called at 4:24 p.m., but the assault could have taken place as early as 2 p.m., police said earlier.

“It’s only property. Let it go. Property is replaceable but life is not,” Stoneburner said. He said the best course of action is to call 911 as soon as possible rather than attempting to confront someone engaged in criminal activity.

A description of the suspect and his vehicle can be found below. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact West Hartford Police at 860-523-5203.

Original Story

A West Hartford homeowner was injured Thursday afternoon while trying to stop a burglar who had entered his home, and police are asking for any information the public may have about the suspect.

The incident occurred at 250 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford.

Police said the homeowner, an elderly male, heard a noise on the second floor of his home. He went to investigate the noise, police said, and was confronted by the burglar and was physically assaulted. The burglar was able to flee with stolen items prior to the arrival of police. The nature of the items stolen was not disclosed.

Police were called to the scene at 4:24 p.m., but according to Sgt. Tony Anderle, the suspect could have been at the house at any time between 2 p.m. and 4:24 p.m. No one else was home at the time the incident occurred, Anderle said.

A source familiar with the incident said that the homeowner was knocked out and was unconscious for several hours before contacting police.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Police could not comment on the extent of his injuries.

According to police, the suspect is a white male, between 30 and 40 years old, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a stocky build. His vehicle is described by police as a clean and well-maintained blue or blue-ish hatchback, possible a newer model, with yellow and black New York tags.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Hartford Police at 860-523-5203.

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