Lockdown lifted at Clinton schools

Police activity at a trailer park in Clinton prompted police to put all four schools in Clinton in a modified lockdown.

Police continue to investigate the home invasion at the Evergreen Trailer Park off Killingworth Highway.

It was 8:00 a.m. and totally unexpected.

"She was surprised, I mean, she was assaulted, did not know it was coming. She was knocked to the ground and then possibly rendered unconscious," said Sgt. Jeremiah Dunn of Clinton Police Department.

A woman was in her own home in the Evergreen Springs Mobile Home community in Clinton when, police say, 25-year-old Michael Walsh broke into her home and attacked her; she fought back.

"We do believe that she did defend herself and may have inflicted some minor injuries to him in defending herself but all indications are he did assault her initially," said Sgt. Dunn.

Unable to overpower him, she did what she had to do to survive the home invasion.

"She cooperated, she kept herself safe the best she could, she plead with the individual saying she would not call the police if he just left; maybe that was helpful in him leaving the house," said Sgt. Dunn.

But police say Walsh didn't go too far. In fact, he lives in the complex as well.

"We enlisted the help of the State Police, a K-9 unit from Troop F in Westbrook conducted a track that led us in a direction which was consistent with what the victim said the perpetrator fled from the residence," said Sgt. Dunn.

He was apprehended in this home about a quarter-mile away. Police revealed they believe this was supposed to be a residential burglary and perhaps Walsh didn't realize the homeowner was there. Either way, he's now facing a laundry list of charges.

Other neighbors tell News Channel 8 they've had run-ins with this young man in the past. Walsh does have a record but he was arrested in under four hours. And police say, there's no cause for alarm.

"We're very confident that this is the individual who committed this crime and he's in custody right now," Sgt. Dunn.

The victim had minor injuries but was taken to local hospital; schools in the area were also under a modified lock-down for a few hours while police looked for the suspect. Walsh is now behind bars with $250,000 bond.