DelmarvaNow Staff Report

A 44-year-old Laurel man was charged in connection with the burglary of a home during which the resident shot at him, according to Delaware State Police.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, when troopers were dispatched to a residence in the 12000 block of Chipmans Pond Road for a report of a burglary. Upon their arrival, the 78-year-old male victim explained that he had just returned to his house when he observed a black car in his driveway and damage to a window with some of his property lying underneath.

Once inside the residence, the victim observed more property lying on the floor near the damaged window. He was quickly startled by a male subject, who was later identified as Robert L. Jefferson, 44 of Laurel, running through the house carrying some of his property.

The victim grabbed his 12-gauge shotgun and began searching for the suspect in his house, making several announcements that he was armed. The homeowner then saw Jefferson running through his yard towards his vehicle.

Once he entered the car, the victim fired one birdshot round at the car, shattering the passenger's side window. The suspect was able to drive away from the residence in an unknown direction.

A general bulletin was put out over the radio with a description of the vehicle, which was soon located in the parking lot of the Laurel Food Lion by officers from Laurel Police Department.

The officers observed Jefferson entering the store and were able to locate him hiding in the rear of the store, where he was taken into custody without incident. He was turned over to troopers at the scene and transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released with a minor abrasion to his back that may have been caused by one of the pellets.

Jefferson was charged with second-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, theft under $1,500 where a victim is 62 or older and criminal mischief. He was held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $5,000 secured bond.

The victim has not been charged with any crime.