Suspected burglar possibly armed with gun flees Newton residence Tuesday

Officers are searching for a suspect who allegedly burglarized a residence Tuesday evening in Newton. Witnesses say the suspect may have been armed.

Newton Police Department received a report of a burglary in progress at approximately 5:13 p.m. near the 700 block of South Second Avenue West.

Witnesses told police a male suspect was likely still in the home and could be armed with a firearm. Newton police officers and deputies of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office then entered the house.

Authorities determined the suspect had fled out the back of the residence prior to law enforcement arriving, according to a press release issued by the Newton Police Department.

The suspect’s identity is unknown at this time and the incident is still under investigation.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact the Newton Police Department at 641-792-1547.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com