By Frank Lewis
The Portsmouth Police Department is continuing its investigation into an early morning home invasion burglary that occurred at about 5:20 a.m. Sunday. Officers of the department responded to a call from a resident at Woodbine Apartments on Kendall Avenue, that she heard glass breaking and people screaming at the residence next door to her and believed that a Burglary was occurring.
Officers said while they were still responding to the scene, Matthew Williams called police and told them that he had just been robbed by three males. Williams said the subjects knocked on his door and covered the peep hole so he could not see who was outside. Williams said when he asked who was there, the subjects identified themselves as police officers. Williams said he cracked the door open to verify their identity and the subjects forced the door open and dragged Williams outside.
Williams reportedly told officers he was taken to the ground by one of the subjects and had a gun pointed at his head. Williams said he was struck several times by the subject holding him on the ground, while the other assailants assaulted the other two residents of the apartment who were inside.
Williams said the subject that was holding him let go and fled the area and Williams was able to reenter the apartment and a struggle ensued with the two remaining subjects before they were able to break free and flee. The three subjects removed a safe that contained a large amount of cash from the residence during the burglary.
Police said the suspects were identified by Williams and other victims, as well as several witnesses, as Jarrett Underwood, age 25, of Portsmouth, Grant Underwood Jr., age 18, of Portsmouth, and Christopher C. Craft, age 21, also of Portsmouth.
Officers began a search of locations known to be frequented by the suspects and were able to locate Jerritt Underwood and Grant Underwood Jr. and take them into custody. The two men were charged with aggravated burglary, a felony of the first degree. Both of the men were arraigned in Portsmouth Municipal Court Monday morning on their charges.
Craft remains at large and is wanted by police on a charge of aggravated burglary.
The case will be presented to the Scioto County grand jury where additional charges will be sought against all three men. A first degree felony carries a maximum penalty of up to 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
The investigation is continuing and officers request that anyone with additional information on the crime or the suspects contact the Portsmouth Police Department Detective Division at 740-354-1600 or the 911 Dispatch Center at 740-353-4101. Callers can remain confidential.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
.neFileBlock {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
padding-bottom: 5px;
padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
font-size: 85%;
}
