A screwdriver-wielding burglar wanted in an attack on a New Jersey homeowner is believed to be the same man who broke into two other homes nearby on the same day, police say.
Surveillance video of the attack in Brick Township shows the suspect walking on the 56-year-old homeowner's property on Stephan Road before he encountered the homeowner, Jerry Flynn.
Flynn told NBC 4 New York Monday he returned home to see the suspect hiding in the bushes after he'd apparently broken in.
"He tried to get off the property," he said. "I did my best to try to keep him from getting off the property," including getting into a fistfight with the suspect.
The video shows Flynn chasing the suspect up and down the street, but when the man allegedly plunged a screwdriver into his thigh, Flynn said he knew it was time to back off.
Still, Flynn got into his truck to chase his attacker for several miles before he eventually lost him.
Brick Township police believe the burglar also struck two other homes, including one on Burnt Tavern Road.
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According to Brick Police Chief Nils Bergquist, it's highly unusual for a burglar to strike three homes in the middle of the day on a weekend when people are likely to be home, and it's even more bizarre for one to attack a homeowner.
Flynn is recovering from his injury.
"It's a big puncture wound, and it hurts," he said.
But he doesn't think the suspect got away unscathed, either.
"Let's just say he won't be brushing his teeth for awhile," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
