BEL AIR, Md. — Detectives are investigating an incident that resulted in a burglary suspect being hurt after he tried to break into a home in Harford County.
On Wednesday at about 11:51 p.m., deputies assigned to the Northern Precinct of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of the 1200 block of Athens Court in Bel Air for the report of an attempted burglary.
While on their way to the scene, deputies were told the suspect was still trying to force entry into the home.
When deputies arrived on scene, they found a man, identified as 38-year-old Mark Brandenberg, trying to gain entry.
Brandenberg was found by deputies to be bleeding from apparent knife wounds to the upper body. He was taken to the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and later transferred to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
The investigation was assumed by detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Investigators from the Forensic Services Unit responded to the scene, to collect and preserve physical evidence in support of the investigation.
The initial investigation indicates a resident in the 1200 block of Athens Court, identified as 26-year-old Stephen Brown, was outside his home, when he was confronted by Brandenberg, who was staying at a nearby home.
Brandenberg demanded Brown give him money, and when he refused, Brandenberg tried to follow Brown into his home.
Brown attempted to secure his home, but Brandenberg shattered a glass pane in the front door and attempted to climb through it to enter the home.
Despite several warnings from Brown that he had a kitchen knife, Brandenberg continued his attempt to break-in, and that's when Brown cut him with the knife.
Nearby neighbors responded to help Brown and stop Brandenberg from entering the home. Police say Brown was not injured.
As a result of the investigation, Brandenberg is being charged in connection to the incident. At this time, the homeowner, Brown, is not expected to face charges in connection to this incident.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
No further details are being released at this time. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 410-836-5043.
