Young Woman Struggled With Masked Intruder During Home Invasion

RAMAPO, NY — A terrifying home invasion led to the arrest of a masked intruder, according to police.

In a Sunday night public safety update, the Ramapo Police Department alerted the community to an incident it termed as "both dangerous and concerning."

The department said that officers responded to a home in the West Carlton Road area, after receiving a report of a home invasion in an occupied home.

Police say that a man with his face covered entered a home occupied by a young woman. After a struggle, the victim was able to escape and contact police from a neighbor's home.

Officers who were already in the area responded immediately, along with the K9 Unit.

Ramapo Police Department detectives launched an investigation. In addition, the Rockland County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene to assist with evidence processing.

A suspect was soon taken into custody and charged with second-degree burglary, and third-degree assault.

Because the suspect is a juvenile, police say that no further identifying information will be released at this time.

Police say there is no ongoing threat to the community related to the incident.

"We understand that incidents of this nature can be unsettling to residents, and we want the public to know that this matter was taken very seriously from the start," Ramapo police said. "We are grateful for the swift response of our officers and detectives. Their work helped bring this case to a quick and safe resolution."

The Ramapo Police Department chief said he directed additional patrol units to be deployed to the area on Sunday for high visibility, and to provide reassurance and maintain a strong presence, especially near a major holiday.