COLDWATER, MI – A man has been charged with first degree home invasion after he allegedly broke into a home in Branch County

Authorities say Daniel Joseph Earl, age 38 of Quincy, was arrested by the Branch County Sheriffs Department after a investigation. Earl was allegedly armed with a hatchet during the break in.

The homeowner reportedly discovered the break in when he arrived home. After he saw a man in his living room with a hatchet in his hand, the homeowner went to his truck and got a handgun and held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

The suspect said he picked up the hatchet because he thought he might need it after the homeowner pointed a gun at him. Authorities said several rounds of ammunition were also found in the suspect’s sweatshirt.

The homeowner also reported two weapons were missing.

Bond was set at $50,000 during an arraignment hearing for Earl in Branch County District Court.

A probable cause hearing was set for next Thursday, and a preliminary exam scheduled for December 9th.