Felton Man Sought After Assaulting Elderly Homeowner

Felton – The Delaware State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 23-year-old Felton man wanted in connection with an assault of a 78-year-old Felton resident early this morning.

Troopers responded a home on Jennifer Lane in Felton after 911 was called reporting an intruder had entered the home of the 78-year-old man and assaulted him. Detectives learned that at approximately 2:00 am this morning the homeowner was awoken after a dog began barking. He was concerned and began checking his home when he went into the Florida room attached to the rear of his residence.

The man observed an intruder hiding behind a chair and confronted him. The male suspect then attacked the victim with his hands causing cuts, bruises and abrasions to the legs, hands and face of the victim. The intruder then fled the area.

As police continued investigating, they learned the victim had been receiving several hang-up phone calls recently raising suspicion as to who committed this act of violence. Troopers also learned the victim’s granddaughter recently began staying with him. Troopers were able to secure the telephone number that repeatedly was calling and hanging up and discovered it was registered to Michael A. Zimmer Jr., 23 of Felton.

Police learned Zimmer was the ex-boyfriend of the victim’s granddaughter and obtained a photograph of him. The victim observed the photo and immediately identified Zimmer as the attacker. The granddaughter was not home when the incident occurred.

DSP has obtained arrest warrants for Zimmer for Burglary 1st degree, Assault 2nd degree and Harassment. Anyone who has information on his whereabouts sis urged to call 911, Troop 3 at 302.697.4455 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.TIP.3333. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-333 3 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.