Bellingham Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Person of Interest in Home Break-In and Assault
A week after someone broke into a home in Bellingham, Massachusetts, through a window and assaulted a resident inside, police have released images of a person of interest in the case. The Bellingham Police Department is asking anyone who recognizes the individual or has information that could help investigators to come forward.
The break-in was reported in the area of South Main Street and Mann Street at about 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. Officers responded to the scene shortly after 12:35 a.m. and were informed that a man had climbed through a window and assaulted a resident. Bellingham Police Chief Ken Fitzgerald said the department received a 911 call from a "very distraught resident" who reported that someone had entered their house through a window and attacked a resident.
According to police, the suspect is described as a slim, Black male, approximately 6 feet tall, in his 30s or 40s, and was wearing a black hoodie at the time of the incident. Fitzgerald explained that the suspect entered through an open window because of the nice weather. He also noted that a family with children lives in the home where the break-in occurred.
The person of interest was last seen on Pulaski Boulevard, heading toward Woonsocket, between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Aug. 15. Police have shared images and videos showing a person walking with a hooded sweatshirt; one image appears to show the person's face reflected in a door.
No arrests have been announced, and police have not released details about the assault, including the identity of the victim. Fitzgerald said the department has received numerous tips, stating, "We've had a lot of tips, we've had a lot of stuff sent in." He added that investigators are working to process and correlate the information to determine what might be viable.
In response to the incident, police have increased patrols in the area at all hours. The department is advising residents to ensure all entrances to their homes are secured, especially overnight, and to report any suspicious activity. Bellingham police are also working with state police to process potential evidence from inside the home.
Several homeowners and a nearby gas station have told NBC10 Boston they are working with police to review their surveillance video for any helpful footage. Residents in the area have expressed concern about the incident.
Anyone who recognizes the person of interest or has information that may help investigators is urged to contact Bellingham police detectives by calling 508-966-1212 or emailing detectives@bellinghamma.org.