A Bainbridge Island man fought off a burglar who had broken into the homeowner’s Wing Point-area home early Monday morning.

After a brief struggle, the burglar escaped and the homeowner gave chase through a neighbor’s yard before turning back and calling 911.

Police said Wednesday the intruder is still at large.

“We are actively looking for this individual,” said Bainbridge Police Chief Matthew Hamner.

Hamner said the homeowner had been up late working at the time of the break-in, just after 1:30 a.m. Feb. 24, and was interrupted when he thought he heard creaking boards on the porch.

The man got a shock when he went to investigate, however.

“He notices the kitchen door open and he walks in and there, in the open room, is a burglar,” Hamner said.

“They both surprised each other,” Hamner said. “I think the burglar thought nobody would be awake.”

A brief struggle ensued, and the homeowner received minor injuries in the fight.

The break-in is still under investigation. Hamner said more details would be released in the near future.

“This is kind of a scary crime,” Hamner said, noting that when burglars are confronted by police or others, they typically react violently in an attempt to get away.

Nothing appeared to have been taken in the break-in, and the homeowner was able to provide a good description of the intruder.

“We’ve got some things we’re looking at; I think it will lead us to a suspect eventually,” Hamner said.