Man accused of assaulting elderly couple in Four Oaks home break-in appears in court Friday

FOUR OAKS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thomas Wright, charged in a Four Oaks home invasion, made his first court appearance Friday in Johnston County.

He is accused of assaulting a couple after allegedly breaking into their home on Devils Racetrack Road on New Year's Eve.

During the hearing, it was disclosed that Wright attacked 81-year-old James Rhoades, who was discharged from the ICU on Thursday, and his 74-year-old wife, Teresa, who remains in the ICU with a broken eye socket, concussion, and other injuries.

Prosecutors described the incident, stating that James heard his dogs barking and saw Wright attempting to force entry through the screen door before kicking it in. James followed Wright inside and witnessed him assault Teresa before ransacking the home and attacking James.

81-year-old NC man and his 78-year-old wife were seriously injured after a random break-in and attack in their Johnston Co. home, deputies say.

Wright then allegedly entered a neighbor's home, spoke to an elderly woman, and left without harming her. He fled when a deputy arrived but was apprehended after a foot chase.

Authorities described the attacks as random.

Wright faces multiple felony charges, including assault and breaking and entering.

He remains in custody without bond and has requested a court-appointed attorney. His next court date is set for later this month.