Arrest Made In Chelmsford Armed Home Invasion

CHELMSFORD, MA — Police have arrested a man in connection with an armed home invasion in Chelmsford Thursday morning. At about 10:45 a.m., officers went to Tyngsboro Road for a report of people screaming. Police were told a man was fleeing toward Tyngsborough and may have a gun.

Officers chased the man, later identified as 45-year-old Cedric Edwards, of Dorchester, on foot and placed him into custody. Edwards was unarmed when he was arrested, though a fully loaded handgun was found in the brush nearby, police said.

Police also found discarded clothing and a box on Edwards that had zip tie handcuffs inside, police said in a statement.

Investigators believe Edwards forced his way into a man's apartment at gunpoint before assaulting him, according to police. Edwards and the victim did not know each other, police said.

The victim had injuries that were not believed to be serious and refused medical attention. Edwards was taken to the hospital after complaining of a rapid heart rate. He was charged with armed home invasion; armed assault on a dwelling; assault and battery; strangulation; commission of a felony while armed; possession of a firearm (large capacity); possession of a large capacity feeding device; and possession of ammunition.

"This was a violent and unprovoked assault, and I want to commend the officers who confronted this dangerous suspect and safely took him into custody," Chief James Spinney said in a statement. "We are confident that there is no threat to the community as a whole."