UPDATED: Police dog nabs Preston burglar

Preston — A local man was arrested early this morning after police said he burglarized an occupied home in an attempt to steal copper.

John Daw Jr., 28, of 8 Barn Road, was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, home invasion, first-degree criminal mischief, interfering with police, disorderly conduct and criminal attempt to commit sixth-degree larceny.

Police said at about 2:25 a.m. they responded to a home at Cider Mill Road. Ledyard and state police confirmed that someone had smashed a basement sliding door while the homeowners were upstairs. The homeowners were not injured.

Police said there was evidence in the basement of someone attempting to remove copper piping.

A state trooper along with his canine, Blaze tracked Daw from the rear of the home into a thick brush that was against a retaining wall.

Daw refused to obey the trooper's commands so Blaze was used to apprehend him, police said.

Daw was taken into custody and was found in possession of brass knuckles. He was taken to the William W. Backus Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Daw was then taken to Troop E in Montville, where he is being held on a $25,000 bond.