Call to cops ends Swiss Drive home invasion

MARION – A home invasion on Swiss Drive early Tuesday left a Marion teen with a minor injury to his forehead, Marion police Lt. Mark Elliott said.

About 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, the 16-year-old, who was alone in the home, heard a knock on the door of his residence, opened the door and was struck in the forehead by one of two people who entered the house, Elliott said.

He ran to a bedroom, locked himself in "and heard what he thought was a firecracker going off." He told the intruders he was calling the police, "and they left shortly after," a police news release states.

Elliott said a bullet casing was found outside the bedroom, and investigators believe one shot was fired. He said the fired round was not found. He declined to disclose the type of gun that investigators suspected was used.

The intruders both were dressed in dark clothing. One was about 6 feet, 2 inches tall and thin. The victim wasn't able to provide any further description of either intruder, he said.

He said the intruders stole nothing "as far as we know."

Police interviewed family members and neighbors, and welcome any help the community can provide.

The victim refused police officers' offer for transportation for medical treatment, and later was taken by a parent to OhioHealth Marion General Hospital for the forehead injury, Elliott said.

He said the teen did call 9-1-1 when he told the intruders he was calling.

Anyone who thinks they might have information about the incident is asked to call the police department at 740-387-2525 or leave an anonymous tip by calling 740-375-8477.

Elliott encouraged people who are concerned about someone at their door to contact the police department. His advice for someone who's not expecting a knock on the door is to "look out the window and see who it is first. If you're leery about it, don't open the door."

He said the police department receives calls from people worried about someone at the door of their home "all the time. I would much rather come out and find out it's a family member" rather than someone possibly be harmed.

jjarvis@marionstar.com

740-375-5154

Twitter: @jmwjarvis