A 23-year-old man faces charges after police said he broke a window and unlawfully entered a residence Thursday in Scranton.
As officers were responding to 614 Cherry St. for the report of a burglary in progress, dispatchers informed them the caller was assaulted and the accused was still there, according to the criminal complaint.
Officer Jessica Dinning noted she was familiar with both individuals from a previous incident where Jacob Thomas assaulted John Zawicki, police said.
Zawicki told police that Thomas — who is homeless — arrived at his residence in the morning and demanded to be let in, according to the criminal complaint.
Although Zawicki previously allowed Thomas to stay with him for a day or two to help with his situation, Thomas was not allowed inside the residence due to a prior assault, police said.
Speaking to him through a glass door, Zawicki told Thomas he was not going to let him inside and asked him to leave the property, but Thomas — who wanted a place to sleep — broke the door window and reached inside and opened the door, according to the criminal complaint
Thomas punched Zawicki multiple times in the ribs when Zawicki attempted to prevent him from entering the residence, police said. Zawicki eventually made it to another room to call police, officers said.
An officer later located Thomas inside the property and placed him in handcuffs, according to the criminal complaint.
Zawicki was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center to be evaluated for his injuries, police said.
Police charged Thomas with burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, harassment and criminal mischief.
As of Sunday, Thomas remained in Lackawanna County Prison as bail was denied. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 9 at 10:15 a.m.