Suspect cuts victim, flees

EPHRATA - An Ephrata man punched an armed burglar trying to gain entry into his home Wednesday afternoon.

The suspect reportedly gained entry to the G Street Northeast residence by "kicking in" the backdoor, Chief Joe Varick stated Thursday. An 18-year-old male who lives at the residence confronted the burglar and punched him in the face.

The suspect reportedly cut the resident in the arm with a knife and left through the backdoor, Varick noted. The suspect reportedly jumped over a fence into an alleyway and ran toward East Division Street.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black bandana used as a mask, a black sweatshirt with "L.A." written on it and a black hat with "L.A." written on it, according to police.

Charges to be filed against the suspect include assault in the second degree and burglary in the first degree, Varick stated.

The injury to the victim did not require medical attention, Varick added.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information related to the incident, is asked to contact the Ephrata Police Department at 509-754-2491.