Man claims burglar hit him, tied him up before house caught fire

5/22/2014

A North Toledo man told police he was tied up and pistol whipped early today by someone who broke into his home demanding cash. After the suspect fled, the home caught fire.

James Hargrove, 59, was asleep in his home at 134 Hausman St. when he woke at about 3:20 a.m. and saw a stranger using a flashlight inside the residence. The burglar pointed a gun at Mr. Hargrove, tied up his legs with rope, and demanded cash, according to an incident report. The victim told the suspect he did not have cash and was then hit on the head with the handgun, the report states.

A liquid was tossed onto the victim, he told police, and then he saw his house on fire. After the suspect fled, Mr. Hargrove said he was able to free himself and jump out a window, according to an incident report.

Mr. Hargrove was taken to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for treatment for a gash to his head from the pistol whipping.

Information on the fire was not available.

No suspect description was provided. Police ask that anyone with information call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.