BRIDGEPORT, CT — Two Bridgeport men were arrested following an early Sunday morning home invasion on Kent Avenue in the city's East Side neighborhood, according to authorities.
Bridgeport police said residents were inside the home when the suspects allegedly forced their way in.
Shortly after midnight Sunday, officers responded to the residence after a 911 caller reported hearing an intruder.
Arriving officers spotted a person wearing a ski mask leaving through the front door, police said. The suspect surrendered without incident and initially provided a false name before being identified as Michael Lozada, 21.
Meanwhile, other officers entered the home through a damaged rear door after hearing items breaking inside, according to police.
Officers encountered a second masked suspect, identified as Syncaire Williams, 20, who was attempting to escape by smashing a kitchen window, police said.
Williams was found in possession of the 911 caller's wallet, according to police.
The caller told investigators that one or both suspects had attempted to break down his bedroom door while he pushed against it from inside to keep them out.
Police also found an unoccupied vehicle in the rear driveway with its engine running and a stolen license plate attached. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
A person claiming to own the vehicle later contacted police and reported that it had been stolen in Derby.
"We are grateful the persons in the house were not injured and are now safe," Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter said in a statement. "The response of our officers and the quick decisions and actions by our supervisors and officers in real time led to these dangerous and outstanding arrests."
Charges Filed Against Both Suspects
Williams was charged with home invasion, first-degree burglary, three counts of disorderly conduct, sixth-degree larceny, three counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, second-degree criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.
Lozada was charged with home invasion, first-degree burglary, three counts of disorderly conduct, possession with intent to sell, three counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and theft or possession of a number plate or expiration-date sticker.
Both men remain in custody in lieu of bail $100,000 each, police said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department's tip line at 203-576-TIPS.
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