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04/16/2023 08:54 AMThe East Haven Police Department has made two arrests in connection to an attempted home invasion that occurred at a Maple Street residence on April 14 at approximately 9:43 a.m.
The incident began when an individual, later identified Xavier Otero, 37, approached a residence dressed as a deliveryman, wearing an orange safety vest and holding a package in his hand. Otero rang the doorbell of the residence and told the homeowner that the package he had belonged to him. He then immediately brandished a black handgun and attempted to enter the residence.
The homeowner was able to push away Otero, who then ran away and fled the area after getting into the rear passenger side of a silver and black Dodge Ram. Officers searched the area, but did not locate the suspect vehicle at that time. The incident was captured on the homeowners Ring camera system, and images of the suspect and video of the incident were immediately disseminated through various media and social media outlets. Soon after, tips began coming in.
The East Haven Police Investigative Services Division began following up on leads, including the lead that led investigators to Otero. It was quickly confirmed that Otero was in fact the suspect shown in the still photos and video disseminated to the media and social media. Otero was located at a family member’s house on Bellevue Street in Hartford and taken into custody without incident.
Investigators uncovered an alleged plot to take part in a home invasion where the occupants of the residence were going to be restrained with zip ties and then robbed. The investigation led to the discovery of the possibility of a second home invasion planned in Manchester. Shortly after learning that information, the Dodge Ram pickup truck seen in the video was located at a residence on New Britain Avenue in Hartford.
Due to the possibility of another imminent home invasion, investigators applied for a search and seizure warrant for the residence on New Britain Avenue. While maintaining surveillance on the residence, a second male suspect was taken into custody a short time later after he was seen entering the Dodge Ram pickup truck. He has been identified as Jean Carrasquillo-Torres, 26, of New Britain Avenue, Hartford. His involvement to the East Haven incident was confirmed.
As a result of the executed search and seizure warrant at the New Britain Avenue residence, investigators found approximately 1.1 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and items commonly used in the operation of a drug factory, including a hydraulic press. Additionally, in the same room investigators located a bag full of heavy-duty zip ties, consistent with the information they obtained related to the planned home invasions and weapons related items.
Otero and Carrasquillo-Torres were transported to the East Haven Police Department, where they were processed.
Otero was charged with home invasion, threatening in the first degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and criminal attempt to commit unlawful restraint in the first degree.
Carrasquillo-Torres was charged with conspiracy to commit home invasion and conspiracy to commit unlawful restraint in the first degree.
Carrasquillo-Torres was also charged with narcotics and weapons related charges for the evidence recovered during the execution of the search and seizure warrant at the New Britain Avenue residence.
Otero and Carrasquillo-Torres were held at the East Haven Police Department on a $250,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in New Haven court on Wednesday, April 26.