Deputies Make Arrest in Home Invasion Case

Manatee County deputies have arrested a suspect in a home invasion robbery in Edgewater Village.

Deputies have charged George Hand, 26, with armed home invasion, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Hand was arrested after deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at his residence.

The charges stem from a home invasion, in which two people were held at gunpoint, on Misty Morning Court around 6 p.m. Tuesday. Hand is also a suspect in a July 17 home on Waters Edge Way, also in Edgewater Village, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's report.  Charges are pending in that case. 

The break in the case came Wednesday night when a deputy responded to a domestic disturbance at Hand’s residence, according to the sheriff's office. Hand fled before deputies arrived, but during the investigation, deputies discovered information possibly linking Hand to the home invasions.

Hand was arrested Thursday morning and charged with carrying a concealed firearm and possession of marijuana.  He was later charged in connection with the home invasion and the burglary of an unoccupied house that occurred early today in east Bradenton.

According to the sheriff, it is not yet clear why Hand might have targeted the homes in Edgewater Village.

Anyone with information on the two home invasions is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, ext. 2555 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.