Preston – A 60-year-old local man was sent to the hospital this morning after being struck during a burglary on Prodell Road, but police said the burglar was later caught in Norwich and the stolen items were retrieved.

Tarlue Jenkins, 18, of 225 Broad St. in Norwich, was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree assault on an elderly person, second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree larceny. He was held on a $38,500 cash bond and was expected to appear Tuesday in Norwich Superior Court.

Police said Jenkins was the suspect in a robbery at 18 Prodell Road that occurred shortly before 11 a.m. Monday. During the incident, homeowner Robert Gardner Sr. was hit on the head after encountering a man in his house.

Gardner immediately notified police after the suspect fled in his car. A vehicle matching the description was located by Norwich police near Corning Road.

State Police in Montville arrived on the scene and identified items in Jenkins' vehicle as matching items stolen from the Preston home. Stolen items included two safes, according to police.

After being interviewed by police, Gardner was taken to William W. Backus Hospital for his injuries.