Knife-wielding intruder chased from St. Paul home

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG

PCC EDITOR

ST. PAUL - The Lee County Sheriff's department is asking for assistance in a break-in that occurred early Friday morning in rural St. Paul.

At approximately 1:42 a.m. deputies were called to a residence in the 1400 block of 210th Avenue, rural St. Paul for a home invasion that had just occurred.

A man allegedly broke into a home and confronted the residents with a knife demanding money. A release from the sheriff's department says a struggle ensued where the homeowner was able to defend himself and his wife and disarm the intruder until they fled on foot to a truck that was waiting in the driveway.

"These guys picked the wrong house. The homeowners defended themselves rigorously," Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber said this morning.

Witnesses to the incident reported the vehicle could possibly be a single cab pickup with a decal in the rear window. The intruder was described as being approximately 5'10" to 6' tall and wearing a dark hoodie.

According to the report, the vehicle drove away immediately as though someone was waiting for the suspect in the getaway vehicle.

The sheriff's office Criminal Investigation Division will be conducting the investigation under the supervision of Chief Deputy Will Conlee and it is considered ongoing at this time.

Weber is asking for the public to be on the lookout for a subject who would have facial injuries from his encounter with the homeowner and for the pickup truck.

Any information the public may have would be appreciated and those who might have information are encouraged to contact law enforcement at 319-372-1152 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-382-8900 immediately.