Home Invasion Investigation Still Ongoing

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a burglary turned home invasion that occurred last week in the Hart Road area of Jefferson County. According to information provided by Jefferson County Sheriff G.W. “Bud” McCoig, Mary Breeden awoke in the early morning hours to find an unknown male in her home. When she confronted the intruder, she was assaulted and the male fled the home taking various items such as silverware, change and a pocketbook. Sheriff McCoig stated that the male apparently had at least one accomplice who he contacted by phone to pick him up from Mrs. Breeden’s home. Mary Breeden, who is reported to be in her early 80s, was injured and contacted assistance after the intruder fled.

Sheriff McCoig stated that there have been other incidences in surrounding counties that have similar circumstances and his department is investigating the possibility of a connection. He said that, generally speaking, burglaries occur in the daytime hours when homes are empty, however, as in the Breeden incident, recent burglaries have happened at night. The Sheriff stated that it is possible that the invader did not know that the home was occupied because there was no car in the driveway.

Giving the appearance that there are people in the home is a deterrent, according to Sheriff McCoig, and that can be accomplished in several ways. Keep mail and newspapers picked up and rotate lights on in the home. If an intruder is suspected in the home, the Sheriff said that it is advisable to immediately call 911 and barricade yourself in the room, rather than confront the invader. He also stated that citizens should take note of people coming to their homes and requesting to speak to someone that does not live there. Often, this is a ruse to identify who is in the home. Should a citizen be approached by a person or persons “looking” for someone, the citizen should take note of the vehicle description and report anything suspicious.

According to Sheriff McCoig, Mrs. Breeden has recovered and the investigation is ongoing.