Deltona, FL - Deputies are hunting for a man who broke into a Deltona home early this morning and knocked one of the residents to the ground after trying to steal a television mounted to the wall.
It happened at 754 Crawford Court in Deltona around 2:30 a.m., according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. That's northwest of Vann Park.
VCSO spokesperson Laura Williams says a 26-year-old man living in the home woke up to strange sounds coming from the living room and that's how he found the would-be burglar.
"The resident confronted one suspect who then attacked the resident, tackling him to the floor," Williams added. "After a brief struggle, the suspect fled on foot."
The suspect - described as a young black male in dark clothing - managed to get in the home through the garage door, which had been left open accidentally overnight by the residents, according to Williams.
"The investigation showed the suspect had removed a firearm and PlayStation from the living room and loaded it into one of the victims’ unlocked vehicles in the driveway," Williams noted. "Keys to the vehicle were lying on a table in plain view in the home."
Numerous VCSO units - including K-9's and Air One - came up empty despite an intensive search after the call for help came in, per Williams.
No injuries were reported in this incident, which deputies think was a random crime of opportunity.
VCSO is urging anyone with information to call them at 386-248-1777 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-8477 to remain anonymous and possibly qualify for a cash reward. Web tips can also be submitted here.