HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - A family in Hazard says their sense of security is gone after an intruder was found in their home early Sunday morning.

The owners of the home at 200 Cedar Street were out of town at the time, but three people were staying there house-sitting, a man, a teenager and a six year old.

“The dad had actually seen the intruder standing at the top of the stairs he ran down into the basement, they chased him down there,” said Adam Baker with the Hazard Police Department.

Once in the basement, police say he was attacked by the intruder.

Police have identified the suspect as James Scott Odem of Hazard, someone that was familiar to at least one person staying at the home.

“One of the people that were there house sitting recognized him and the suspect actually called him by his nickname,” said Baker

Officers say people are rarely home when something like this happens.

“People are getting braver, especially if it's motivated by drugs or whatever. They're brave enough, they would probably come in even if they thought you were home,” said Baker.

Police say Odem is likely involved in other recent burglaries in Hazard.

If you know where Odem is, you should call the Hazard Police Department.