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Montgomery County Police say a home burglary and assault Wednesday morning in Cloverly could be connected to a car theft in the same neighborhood shortly after, which resulted in a 60-year-old man being struck by a car.

At 2:51 a.m., police responded to a home burglary and assault on the 15100 block of Fairlawn Avenue in Silver Spring. Less than an hour later, a vehicle theft and first-degree assault occurred on the 14500 block of Orangewood Street in Silver Spring, according to a police news release.

The 60-year-old, who was injured as he tried to stop the suspect from taking his 19-year-old daughter's red Ford Focus, was treated for non-life threatening injuries at an area hospital, according to the release.

The man's home was burglarized Dec. 20, and police say the keys to the Focus were taken then.

During the first incident, the male suspect allegedly entered the home of a married couple and their adult son and assaulted the 26-year-old son. After the man's father heard what was happening, he came to his son's aid and was also assaulted. The 26-year-old's mother fled to a neighbor's house, where she called police. The suspect left the home in the victim's Honda.

At about 3:30 a.m., a 19-year-old saw a suspect tampering with her 2007 Focus. As her father rushed toward the scene, he was struck by the Focus before the suspect fled in the vehicle. The keys to the car were reported stolen in December.

"He was able to steal that vehicle using the keys stolen Dec. 20," said Lt. Paul Starks, a police spokesman.

Police later found the Honda in the same neighborhood.

The suspect for both Wednesday incidents is described by police as a 6-foot-tall black male wearing black clothing with a mask and gloves. Police say he was armed with a handgun. Police have not recovered the stolen Focus, which has Maryland license plate 4DLP13.

Starks said the suspect took property from the Fairlawn Avenue home but would not specify what was taken. Police are investigating whether the suspect and victims knew each other, he said.

To help prevent home burglaries, residents should ensure their windows and doors are locked, Starks said. He recommended the use of an outdoor motion detection system and said residents should check shrubs outside their home to see if there are hiding spots for predators. And he advised that residents call police immediately if they notice any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about the events or the suspect can call the police Robbery Section at 240-773-5100. Callers may remain anonymous.