A 12-year-old New Hampshire boy was home alone on a video chat when police say three masked intruders armed with baseball bats broke through the front door. The reported home invasion happened around 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, on Beatrice Street in Danville, according to NBC Miami.
Police said the intruders were trying to find the child’s father and threatened to seriously hurt him. The boy’s friend was still on the video call when the break-in happened. Police said that friend quickly called 911, giving officers a fast report while the child was alone inside the house.
For homeowners and parents, the case is frightening because it did not involve an empty-house burglary. Police say the suspects forced their way through the front door while a child was home, and the first emergency call came from someone watching the situation unfold remotely.
Police Used K9 Units After the Break-In
Danville officers responded to the Beatrice Street home, set a perimeter, and called in two K9 units, according to WHDH. Police said the initial search did not immediately find the suspects.
A K9 track later led officers from the crime scene to a nearby mobile home. Police interviewed Nathan Wilder there, and he denied involvement, according to the police account reported by local outlets.
Two Adults Were Arrested and a Juvenile Was Released
Investigators later identified Nathan Wilder, John Wilder, and a juvenile as the suspects, police said. NBC reported that John Wilder admitted breaking into the Beatrice Street home and said Nathan Wilder and the juvenile had helped him.
Police said they recovered three baseball bats, two ski masks, and clothing used in the crime. The juvenile was released to a parent. John Wilder and Nathan Wilder were arrested.
The Charges Involve Weapons and Threats
John Wilder was charged with burglary with a weapon, criminal threat with a deadly weapon, and criminal mischief. Nathan Wilder was charged with burglary with a weapon and criminal threat with a deadly weapon.
Both men were being held at the Rockingham County Jail while awaiting arraignment, according to NBC.
The Video Call Became the Lifeline
The video chat did not stop the break-in, but it gave the child another person who could call for help immediately.
For families with children old enough to spend time alone at home, the Danville case points to a practical conversation before an emergency. A child should know the home address, how to reach 911, where to go inside the house if someone tries to enter, and which trusted adults can be contacted right away.
Families should also make sure front doors, side doors, sliders, garage entries, and basement doors are locked, especially at night. If someone forces entry, the safest instruction for a child is to get away from the person, call 911 if possible, stay on the line, and give dispatchers the clearest location information they can.