Intruder pistol-whips teen during Orlando home invasion

Victim taken to Dr. Phillips Hospital with head injury

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man broke into an Orange County home through a window and pistol-whipped a teenager Tuesday morning during a home invasion, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The armed home invasion was reported at 5:12 a.m. in the 6800 block of Sugarbush Drive.

Orange County sheriff's deputies said the 17-year-old victim was taken to Dr. Phillips Hospital with a head injury. The victim's father said his son received stitches and will be OK.

"(It was) pretty scary, not the way you want to start your new year," said Michael Patterson.  "He kept asking for money, didn’t have any money, started chasing my son down the hallway, then pistol-whipped my son a couple of times (and) then decided to leave." 

Patterson said the intruder, whom the family of four does not know, cracked a window lock and climbed into the house while everyone was asleep.

The family said nothing was stolen from the home.

"I heard the dogs barking, woke up, walked in the hallway and he was standing there with a pistol in his hand," said Patterson.  "You never feel safe after something like that happens, no matter what you do."

A search was launched for the intruder, who deputies said is believed to have escaped in a vehicle, but he was not found, according to deputies.  Deputies also haven't released a clear description of the intruder and have only said he's believed to be in his late teens. 

Sheriff's deputies said some drugs were found in the home, but it's not immediately known if they were connected to the break-in. Deputies also haven't released what type of drugs were recovered. 

An investigation is ongoing. Deputies said that, at this time, no charges have been filed. ​


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

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