News

Worcester man stops attempted car robbery, helps police with arrest

WORCESTER, Mass. — A Worcester man took matters into his own hands when police say someone broke into his car outside his home early Thursday morning.

The victim, a landlord at a Worcester multi-family, confronted the burglar, who was ransacking his car shortly after midnight, police said. The would-be thief punched the victim and swung a box-cutter at him, according to police.

Leonard Kurland, the victim’s tenant, said he heard the commotion outside his apartment. When he looked out his window, he saw his landlord and the suspect in a struggle.

"I was watching TV, and I heard voices, angry voices," said Kurland, who called police. "I guess he tried to hold him, stop him. I guess the guy started to punch at him and stuff like that, and he defended himself."

The victim was able to subdue the armed burglar and pinned him until officers arrived.

>>RELATED: Police investigating after series of robberies in downtown Boston

The landlord, who was bleeding from his face, was treated for minor injuries, but was back to work Thursday night and doing well, his daughter told Boston 25 News.

The suspect, 49-year-old Mark Healy of Worcester was arraigned in Worcester District Court Thursday on charges of assault and battery on a person over 60, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and disturbing the peace.