An 81-year-old Fultondale man is recovering after he was beaten and bound during a weekend home invasion, and police today announced they have a person of interest in custody.

The attack happened about 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the victim's home in the 2400 block of Walker Chapel Road. Fultondale police Chief D.P. Smith said the man was home when the suspect kicked open the back door and burst inside.

The intruder fired a shot at the victim with a shotgun, beat him with the gun and then tied him up. He demanded the victim's wallet and other items in the home and then fled.

Smith said detectives today are seeking warrants against the assailant and said he is a suspect in crimes in at least four other neighboring cities. He was taken into custody today after detectives used forensics and witness accounts to identify him as a suspect. One witness, the chief said, was able to get a vehicle description that matched a vehicle used in other crimes.

The chief said they have recovered numerous stolen items as part of the ongoing probe.

The victim, he said, was taken to the hospital and now is recovering at home. "He's a very strong individual mentally and physically,'' Smith said. "We're glad he wasn't hurt worse than he was."