East Haven Burglary Turns into North Haven Home Invasion

A scary incident that began as a robbery in East Haven late Thursday ended up in a home invasion in North Haven, police said Friday.

The incident began at 10 p.m. at the Dollar Tree store at 32 Frontage Road in East Haven.

Police say a male entered the store and ordered both employees to the ground indicating the suspect had a firearm, said David Emerman, who is the East Haven Police Department spokesman.

The suspect, Rashonne T. Anderson, 32, emptied out the cash register and fled in a Pontiac van, which was reported stolen from West Haven, police said.

Anderson was found in North Haven and police there tried to stop him and Anderson crashed on Quinnipiac Avenue, police said.

“The suspect fled, and forced entry into an occupied residence in North Haven, in an attempt to steal another vehicle from the homeowner,” Emerman said. “The suspect then fled on foot at which time he was apprehended by officers of the North Haven Police Department.”

Anderson was charged with home invasion, first-degree burglary, reckless endangerment, interfering with police, second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, sixth-degree larceny, criminal attempt to commit third-degree larceny, engaging in pursuit and other motor vehicle charges.

He’s being held on $250,000 bond.

Emerman said both Dollar Tree employees were shaken up but not physically injured.

“The East Haven Police Department would like to thank the North Haven Police Department for assisting in the apprehension of this dangerous individual,” Emerman said.

Suspect photo via East Haven Police Department.