The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of early-morning home invasions in Pontiac, where a masked suspect appears to be targeting homes with young children inside.
The most recent incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Tuesday in the 100 block of N. Anderson Street in Pontiac. The mother of the child shared what happened on her social media. (screenshot above)
Authorities say a man wearing a ski mask and armed with a knife broke into a home through an unlocked kitchen window and choked a 10-year-old girl who was sleeping. The girl’s screams scared the suspect away. Her mother saw the man, dressed in all black, running down the stairs and out of the house. The child was not injured.
“Obviously, an intruder willing to climb into a home in the middle of the night and armed with a knife and primarily in homes with young girls is a person we need to catch and take off the street. We are asking for the community’s vigilance and tips. Any information leading to the arrest and conviction of this person is eligible for a reward,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
Detectives are investigating at least four similar incidents, all occurring between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on December 23, January 25, January 26, and Tuesday. The break-ins happened in the 600 block of Northway, the 100 block of N. Edith, the 100 block of N. Marshall, and the N. Anderson Street home.
In each case, the suspect attempted to enter or successfully entered a home through an unlocked window. Investigators believe he specifically targeting homes with teenage or adolescent girls. Older home invasions with similar patterns are also under review.
Residents are urged to keep doors and windows locked and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
