The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An 87-year-old Massachusetts woman was allegedly attacked inside her home after an intruder entered through a window, according to the authorities.
The incident occurred on May 25 in Falmouth, a town on Cape Cod. Investigators said the suspect was not known to the elderly couple who lived at the residence.
According to the authorities, the alleged victim began screaming during the encounter, which woke her husband. The man, who is reportedly blind and relies on a walker, approached the area where the disturbance was taking place. Investigators said the intruder then fled from the home through the same window used to gain entry.
Officers responded to the residence at about 9:40 p.m. and searched the surrounding area. The suspect was not located that night, and detectives continued investigating the case.
Authorities later determined that the incident began when the woman heard unusual sounds coming from inside the house at about 9 p.m. She went to investigate and entered a bedroom, where she allegedly discovered that someone had climbed through a window.
Investigators alleged that the intruder grabbed the woman by the neck and shoulders before dragging her from the bedroom into another area of the home. The suspect also allegedly attempted to kiss her, pushed her to the floor, and placed a blanket over her face, restricting her breathing.
Police did not report any serious injuries to the alleged victim.
The case remained unsolved until about a week later, when officers in nearby Mashpee responded to a separate reported breaking-and-entering incident. During that investigation, authorities identified a suspect and tracked him to Falmouth. Detectives then linked him to the earlier attack on the elderly woman, according to police.
A 27-year-old man was subsequently arrested and booked into jail. He was charged with aggravated burglary, kidnapping, assault with intent to murder, assault and battery on a person age 60 or older, and nighttime breaking and entering for a felony. Court records show he was arraigned this week.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.