Elderly man in coma after attack during home invasion

DEDHAM, Mass. — An elderly man is in a coma after being assaulted during a home invasion robbery, said police

Thirty-five-year-old Nicholas Durfee is allegedly broke into a home on Upland Road in Dedham Friday, May 27. He stole a few thousand dollars in cash and coin collection, said police, and in the process assaulted the 89-year-old homeowner.

Incident report said the victim suffered an injury to the back of his head consistent with being pushed down or from falling. He was able to talk to his neighbors shortly after, and they are the ones who called 911 for help.

"He was sitting at the stairs. He was looking fine. I didn't see he had cut himself. But then the police told me he bumped his head and they took him to the hospital," said Vaia Kelsidis, a neighbor.

Due to his injuries, he was put into a medically induced coma, said the assistant district attorney.

According to police, Durfee left his cell phone on the victim's nightstand. Police said they also lifted one of Durfee's palm prints from the scene.

"The phone also contained text messages in which Durfee discusses purchasing illegal drugs including Heroin," according to the police report.

Durfee has a long criminal history and a documented history of drug use, says the Norfolk County District Attonrey's Office.

He was arraigned in court Thursday afternoon on charges of assault and battery on a person older than 60, assault to rob, unarmed and breaking and entering daytime for felony.

Cox Media Group