Rep. Boswell Describes Weekend Attack at Home

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, on Tuesday June 3, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Steve Pope)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 17, 2011 at 10:38 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 18, 2011 at 10:44 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell says his instincts as a father led him to tackle a man with a gun who entered his home and attacked his daughter.

Boswell says the man burst into his home near Lamoni late Saturday, grabbed his daughter and demanded money. The 77-year old Boswell says he rushed to grab the intruder, but he broke away and accosted Boswell's wife, Dody.

Speaking Monday with reporters, Boswell says his 22-year-old grandson, Mitchell Brown, loaded a shotgun and threatened the intruder. The man, who was wearing a ski mask, then ran away.

Decatur County Sheriff Herbert Muir says police are treating the case as a home invasion. He declined to say if they have suspects.

Boswell says the scuffle left him with sore ribs, minor scrapes and bruises.