Man Dressed As Woman Wanted In Home Invasion

READING, MA — Police are investigating an armed robbery and home invasion that occurred at an apartment on Lakeview Avenue this afternoon according to Deputy Chief David Clark.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Reading Police were dispatched to an apartment on Lakeview Avenue for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers began an investigation and learned that the victim and the suspect had arranged to meet online.

The suspect, who had described himself as a woman and arrived at the victim's home wearing women's clothing, allegedly threatened the victim with a knife and forced his way into the home. He then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Reading Police conducted an extensive search of the area but could not locate the suspect, and are continuing to investigate. Other area law enforcement agencies have been notified of the incident and are cooperating in the investigation as well.

"This was not a random act, and I want to reassure residents that we do not believe this individual poses a threat to the community," Deputy Chief Clark said in a release.

"We are aggressively investigating this incident and are doing everything we can to bring this suspect into custody as quickly as possible."

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6-feet tall and approximately 200 pounds. He was wearing black yoga pants and a black blouse and had long black hair that could be a wig. He was driving a red Kia sedan when he fled from the victim's apartment.