A West Hartford man in his late-70s was badly injured when he confronted a man who burglarized his home on Thursday, and police are searching for a man they called a "dangerous criminal."
Police said they were called just before 4:30 p.m., but believe the burglary happened one to three hours earlier.
The victim told police he heard a noise on the second floor of his Bloomfield Avenue home, and thought his cats knocked something over. But when he went to go see what was happening, he saw a burglar going through the house.
What started as a confrontation turned violent outside the house, in the driveway or courtyard, police said and escalated when the victim went to take photo of the burglar’s car.
The burglar then hit him with an item, like a rock or a brick, and took the phone, according to police.
Authorities believe the homeowner was knocked unconscious and said the burglar was able to get away with stolen items before police arrived at the scene.
The items taken were “specific,” police said, but they declined to elaborate on what was taken.
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The victim was treated at a local hospital, but was released and is now at home, where he is recovering.
Police said it's not clear how the burglar got into the house, but it could have been through an unlocked door.
The burglar is a stocky man in his 30s or 40s and roughly 5-feet-6 to 5-feet-8.
"He is definitely a dangerous criminal," Lt. Ted Stoneburner said.
After the violent confrontation, police are urging residents to call police instead of confronting burglars on their own.
"We don't want you to fight with a suspect," Stoneburner said.
He was driving a newer blue or bluish newer hatchback with yellow and black New York license plates.
West Hartford Police is asking anyone with information to call (860) 523-5203
