Phoenix police said the three suspects sought in the home invasion and armed robbery last week have been caught and booked into jail.
The victim involved in the invasion and robbery was also sexually assaulted, said Benjamin Morris, a community action officer for the Phoenix Police Department.
“This is a very serious crime and was investigated throughout the night by a number of detectives,” said Morris, who added that the investigation is still ongoing.
The woman, 45, was alone in her home near 12th Street and East Marketplace, just south of Chandler Boulevard, last Wednesday evening when three men invaded her home, tied her up, and “ransacked” her home before taking her 2001 Jaguar, according to Phoenix police.
Around 10:30 p.m. the woman said she heard someone call her name and say they had her daughter, said Sgt. Tommy Thompson, a Phoenix Police Department spokesman.
The woman, whose name was not released, opened the door to three men who then forced their way into the home. Two of the three men were armed with handguns, and none of the men had the woman’s daughter, Thompson said.
The woman was then reportedly assaulted and tied to a chair while the men took multiple items from her home before leaving with her car.
Thompson said the woman was able to untie herself and ran to a neighbor’s home for help.
“At this time detectives believe that this was a crime of opportunity and was not a random attack,” Morris added.
Morris urged residents to continue to keep all doors closed and locked, especially at night.
“Be hesitant to open the door to strangers, and if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood don’t hesitate to call the police,” Morris said.
Diana Martinez is freelancing this summer for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. Reach her at thedianamartinez@gmail.com.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 10:02 am on Mon, Jul 23, 2012.
ARE THE ACCUSED CRIMINALS...........BLACK, HISPANIC OR WHITE ???
DO THEY HAVE HYPHENATED LAST NAMES ???
Engaged Voter posted at 11:45 am on Mon, Jul 23, 2012.
Sorry Leon, no hyphens.
"Two 18-year-old men, Arryck Blanton and Kasey Phelps, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested and suspected of assaulting the woman."
Leon, do you ever get tired of embarrassing yourself like this?
SecurityDan posted at 12:23 pm on Mon, Jul 23, 2012.
Sorry to see home invasions like this. Glad that they were able to catch the burglar but you need to be vigilant when it comes to your home security.
Besides always keeping your doors closed and locked, practice other safety tips like not leaving your car outside (especially with a garage-opener), keeping your landscaping manicured, and not opening your home to strangers. These tips are just a small part of securing your home.