Resident fights past home intruder
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Testing for evidence left at the scene, Wharton Police Crime Scene Officer Randy Whitlock dusts for fingerprints at the scene of a home intrusion in the 2700 block of Walnut Street. An intruder broke into the home and was startled by the occupant of the home who had to fight her way past the suspect to escape. A home burglary alarm alerted the police to the incident early Thursday afternoon.

A Wharton woman was able to fight her way past a home intruder and flee to freedom following an altercation at her North Walnut residence early Thursday afternoon.

The Wharton police department received a residential burglary alarm at 12:41 p.m. in the 2700 block of North Walnut Street. Patrol Sgt. Jason Barker was on his way to the scene when additional news came that the victim had fled the house, was calling in from a neighbor's residence and the subject was still in the home.

Several police officers arrived at the scene and searched for the intruder who apparently fled, the police report states.

The 37-year-old woman told investigators she was in her bedroom when she heard the alarm. As she was walking to the front of the house she saw the intruder, who she said appeared to be startled by her presence.

The report states the victim noticed the front door open and made a break for it, but the intruder grabbed her. She had scraps and a bump on the head from the altercation, but was able to free herself and exit through the door.

The police report describes her attacker as a dark complexion black male, between 5 foot 4 and 5 foot 6 in height with a large frame and wearing faded jeans and a navy blue shirt. He was also described as missing a tooth.

Property missing from the home includes some jewelry and rare coins.

The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the break-in is asked to contact Wharton Police Department Detective Sgt. Ben Evans by calling the WPD at 532-3131.