Federal officials have charged five people in connection with the Meriden home invasion and $4 million heist from a jewelry store in Fairfield in April.
Police said several men entered an apartment on Gravel Street in Meriden on April 11 and bound and gagged two men inside their home with electrical tape.
While the intruders were in the middle of the home invasion, two of the victims’ friends arrived at the home and the intruders tied them up as well, according to officials.
The men drove the original two victims to Lenox Jewelers, the jewelry store they own in Fairfield, and stole more than $4 million in jewelry from the store safe, then fled, police said.
The entire robbery happened in five minutes, according to officials.
When the victims heard the robbers leave, they were able to free themselves and call 911, police said.
One minute later, the victims who were being held in Meriden were released, according to police.
Police believe multiple firearms were used in the crimes but none of the victims were seriously injured.
Fairfield Detectives said they have been working closely with Meriden Police and consulting with the FBI to determine if this robbery has any similarities to other robberies in the northeast.
Five people have been charged by federal criminal complaint, according to the U.SA. Attorney’s Office of the District of Connecticut.
Jeffrey Houston and Christopher Gay were charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery and use of a firearm during an act of violence. They have been detained and probable cause hearings will be held on June 13 unless a grand jury issues an indictment.
Officials said Houston was arrested in Allentown. Both are represented by attorneys.
Photo Credit: DoingItLocal
