Man, 22, Accused Of Assaulting Child, Home Invasion: Norwalk PD

NORWALK, CT — A 22-year-old Norwalk man accused of entering a home and assaulting a child earlier this month was arrested Monday night, according to police.

Police said Ilmer Rivera - Zuniga was charged with home invasion, first-degree kidnapping, criminal attempt at aggravated sex assault of a minor, risk of injury to a minor, third-degree assault and third-degree strangulation.

In a news release, Police Sgt. Sofia Gulino said a Norwalk resident reported someone had entered their home, assaulted a juvenile inside and fled. The caller told police they were awoken by the child screaming and saw the intruder running through the house and flee out the front door.

Gulino said the child, who was found "shaken, terrified and injured," was taken to Norwalk Hospital for treatment.

The child has since been released from the hospital and "faces a long path to recovery," Gulino said.

Gulino identified Detective Patrick English as the lead investigator for this case and noted he "tirelessly [committed] himself to the apprehension of the suspect" by steadfastly working every lead and putting forth "an exhaustive effort" that culminated in an arrest warrant being issued for Rivera-Zuniga.

Police located and arrested Rivera-Zuniga in South Norwalk on Monday. His bond was set at $1 million.