A Rockland resident was awoken by an intruder cooking a latenight snack in his kitchen early Wednesday morning.

ROCKLAND – A Sunnyback Avenue resident discovered a drunken elderly intruder whipping up a latenight snack on his stove Wednesday after being awoken by a loud bang coming from his kitchen.

Police officers responded to the residence about 1:40 a.m., after the homeowner was engaged in a brief scuffle with the intruder, John Dalton, 69, who had forced his way into the residence through a side door, said Rockland police Lt. Nick Zeoli.



“(Dalton) decided to cook some corn on the cob on the individual’s stove top,” said Zeoli.



According to the officers who responded to the residence, Dalton was “clearly intoxicated” at the time of the incident, Zeoli added.



After discovering Dalton in his kitchen, the homeowner told him to get out, at which time Dalton took a swing at the homeowner. A brief struggle ensued between the two men, but no injuries were reported.



Later that morning, Dalton would be taken to a local hospital after complaining of hip and rib pain. He was treated and returned to the police station.



Dalton was charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony and assault and battery. He was expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Hingham District Court.



Edward Donga may be reached at edonga@enterprisenews.com.



