Watch CBS News

Severn Community On Alert After 82-Year-Old Man Is Shot By Burglar

SEVERN, Md. (WJZ)-- An 82-year-old man is recovering after he was shot by a burglar. Now, Anne Arundel County Police are hoping for the public's help with catching the gunman.

Andrea Fujii has more on the investigation.

The elderly man is still in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, neighbors on the quiet road where he lives have their guards up.

Sleepy Hollow Road in Severn really is just that. Neighbors call it quiet and peaceful.

But early Wednesday morning, police say someone broke into the house on the 1300-block, waking up the 82-year-old man who has lived there for decades.

"Every time I ride down the street, he waves and everything," neighbor Arthur Williams said. "And I wave back to him. He seems like a very nice guy."

Police say the homeowner grabbed his gun and got into a scuffle with the burglar.

"During that struggle, that's when he was ultimately shot in the lower extremity. The suspect then fled with the homeowner's gun," Justin Mulcahy, spokesman for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, said.

The victim was taken to the hospital, shot in the leg.

Neighbors say they look out for one another here, taking notice of anyone out of place.

"Many times, we do ask them, 'Do you need help? What are you looking for? Who do you need?' You know, if we see strange cars," Sharon Johnson, a neighbor, said.

Neighbors told police they saw a strange vehicle in the area before the burglary-- a dark Chevy truck with large wheels. Police now want to find that truck.

Police aren't sure if the homeowner was targeted but say they'll have extra patrols in the area.

Still, residents are being extra cautious.

"Very shocked. Stayed up all night. Left my lights on and everything," Williams said.

Police describe the suspect as 18 to 20 years old and about six feet tall.

If you know anything, call Anne Arundel County Police.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.