Burglar Targeting Christmas Presents Shoots Blaine Homeowners While Fleeing
BLAINE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Blaine police say two homeowners were shot at, after they caught a man trying to steal their Christmas presents.
It happened just before 8 p.m. Wednesday night on the 8800 block of Jackson Street.
"I was just getting the kids to bed around 7:30-8:00 and I heard what sounded like a gunshot go off," said Dan Thomas.
Thomas and his family have lived on Jackson Street for 5 years. What happened to their neighbors Wednesday night, has them on high alert.
"It's definitely a little nerve-racking. It's one thing to have a burglary and another thing when guns start getting involved in the situation," said Thomas.
The man who lives in the house didn't want to be on camera, but he told us he and his wife were gone for about an hour. When they came home they noticed a bedroom light on they don't normally leave on. And then they saw a man run out of their home. That's when he pursued the intruder at which point the suspect turned around a fired his gun. It grazed the man's leg and hit his wife who was standing behind him. She was treated and released at a local hospital, but still has a bullet lodged in her leg.
"I can't remember the last time we had an interrupted burglary where shots were fired. This is certainly concerning for us, absolutely," said Captain Mark Boerboom, Blaine Police.
Police believe the house was randomly targeted. The homeowner told us the suspect kicked in a door to get inside.
He said they took credit cards, cash and a cell phone and the burglar had moved all their Christmas presents to the front door, making it seem as if he was getting ready to steal them. Police set up a perimeter but as of now have not made an arrest. They say burglaries are typically up during the holiday season and they're advising people to lock their doors and look out for their neighbors.
"Keep your head on a swivel and do your best to enjoy the season more than anything," said Thomas.
Police said if you see anything suspicious do not hesitate to give them a call.