11-year-old escapes home invader, helps Abilene police catch suspect

ABILENE, Kan. (KWCH) - A family in Abilene is recovering after a man broke into their home and destroyed everything while a child was there.

The Kooser family’s home in Abilene was broken into when nobody was home except the 11-year-old daughter, Harper. The home invader broke a window to gain access to the residence, where he discovered the child inside.

Harper said she could hear him talking to her while she was trying to escape.

“‘I know you are in there’, like stuff like that, after he comes through the window,” Harper said. “He was also threatening to murder my dogs, me, my family.”

Harper’s quick thinking and brave actions helped lead to his arrest. Among all the chaos, Harper got out of the house and looked for help. She went to the house of a police officer.

“I ring the doorbell saying, ‘help, help.’ I’m crying, I’m sniffling. I go inside the cop’s house, tell him what happened, and he is like, ‘okay, I will get my cop buddies.’”

Harper was able to provide a detailed drawing of the suspect, who police later identified as Anthony Schofield. Abilene police confirmed that the suspect is still in custody on a $25,000 bond and facing five charges. Schofield left the home with everything inside destroyed, flooded, and also tried to set it on fire.

Diane Kooser, Harper’s mother, was shocked by the incident.

“I’m still kind of in a shock. It’s Abilene, like nothing happens like that here,” Kooser said.

The family says the most important thing now is that Harper is safe, and they are thankful for the community that has been supporting them during this time.

“I’m very thankful for the small town, the community and everyone who has been reaching out,” Kooser said.

The family is now looking for their chihuahua, Dobby, who escaped during the home invasion.

“Abilene does not have an actual animal shelter. They have the animal hospital where they take in strays, so we are calling and checking in with them,” Kooser said. The family says that if anyone has information on the whereabouts of their chihuahua, they should call the Animal Hospital of Abilene.