By Tina Kitt

The Wauneta Breeze

Chase County Sheriff Tim Sutherland is reminding area residents to keep your doors and windows locked, whether you’re home or not, after a break-in was reported in the early morning hours Monday.

According to information released by Sutherland, a minor female reported that a male perpetrator entered her family’s home in southwest Wauneta through an unlocked bedroom window.

According to a written statement released by the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, “Once inside the perpetrator accosted a young female. The female was able to get away from the attacker and call for help,” summoning a parent and scaring the perpetrator away. He left by going back out the window, said Sutherland.

It is not known if he had targeted the girl or if he had been interrupted in a burglary attempt, he added.

The matter is being investigated by the Chase County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol. At this time it is an ongoing investigation and no further information is being released.

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information to assist them in their ongoing investigation from anyone who may have been awake around 3 a.m. Monday, July 20, and noticed anything unusual. Sutherland can be reached at the Sheriff’s Office in Imperial at 882-4748.

The sheriff said they have identified a possible person of interest related to this matter, but no suspect has been named.

“We want to warn the public that they do need to lock their doors and windows at all times and to report any suspicious activity immediately,” said Sutherland.