Off-duty detective detains intruder who entered Jeannette home

An off-duty Westmoreland County detective stopped a break-in at his Jeannette home last week and was hurt while holding the suspect down until police got there, according to court papers.

Authorities said Jonathan E. Craft, 21, opened a screen door around 9:40 p.m. Aug. 12, walked in and headed toward the second floor, claiming that “My people sent me here” when the detective asked who he was and grabbed a gun for protection.

The two men struggled to the living room floor and Jeannette police said Craft was being held at gunpoint when they were called. Police seized marijuana, a THC pen, a knife and drug paraphernalia from Craft, according to court papers.

“I’m thankful that all involved were not seriously injured,” Detective Nick Caesar said in a statement to the Trib. “I’m appreciative of a quick response by the officers that helped mitigate the incident.”

Caesar had abdominal injuries and Craft was taken to a hospital for evaluation, authorities said. Craft’s parents told Trib news partner WTAE that he has had seizures since he was 2 years old and claimed he experienced one at the time of the incident.

Charges of burglary, aggravated assault, criminal trespass and related offenses were filed Friday against Craft. He had not been arraigned and did not have an attorney listed in online court records.