3 Suspects Accused Of Armed Robbery And Home Invasion In Fairfield: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A trio of suspects has been arrested in connection with Thursday's reported armed robbery and home invasion in the area of Candlewood Road in Fairfield, police said.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers responded just before 2:30 a.m. to a report of an armed robbery and possible home invasion at a residence on Candlewood Road. Upon arrival, officers secured the victims and took one person into custody on the property after the individual allegedly attempted to flee.

Police said investigators developed information indicating that up to two additional suspects might have remained inside the home. Authorities established a perimeter and asked residents in the immediate area to shelter in place while officers conducted a search. A FairfieldALERT notification was sent to residents within a geo-fenced area surrounding the scene.

Due to the incident’s proximity and school start times, McKinley Elementary School and Fairfield Warde High School were closed for the day.

Police said two additional suspects were later apprehended after leaving Fairfield — one on the Merritt Parkway in Stratford and another in Hamden. A fourth person was detained and identified as a person of interest. Investigators said an additional arrest is anticipated as the investigation continues.

Arrested Thursday were:

• Kaleem Uthmaan, 25, of Hamden
• Naszar Hobby, 21, of New Haven
• Juan Felix, 25, of Monroe

Each is charged with home invasion, first-degree robbery with a deadly weapon, five counts of unlawful restraint and two counts of risk of injury to a minor. Each are being held in lieu bail of $3 million and are scheduled to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Friday.

Firearms were recovered during the investigation, police said. Authorities described the incident as isolated and said there is no ongoing threat to the public. No injuries were reported.

"Let me be absolutely clear. If you come into the Town of Fairfield with the intent to commit a crime, you should fully expect that the Fairfield Police Department will find you, and we will arrest you," Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris said in a statement. "Our officers are highly trained, professional, and relentless when it comes to protecting this community. We will not tolerate individuals who believe they can victimize our residents or threaten the safety of our neighborhoods."

Fairfield police thanked assisting agencies and said the investigation remains active. Authorities are asking residents and business owners in the area of Black Rock Turnpike and Candlewood Road to review any available surveillance footage and contact detectives at 203-254-4840 if they observe suspicious activity.