3 Arrested After Armed Home Invasion In West Caldwell (UPDATE)

CALDWELLS, NJ — Three people have been arrested in connection with an armed home invasion that took place in West Caldwell last week, authorities announced Monday.

According to the West Caldwell Police Department, officers responded to a home on Lougheed Avenue at 4:36 a.m. on Jan. 28 after getting a report about an “invasion-style robbery.”

The homeowner said he woke up when he heard someone forcing their way through a rear sliding glass door. When he went to check it out, he saw three intruders with guns on the first floor, police said.

The suspects bound the homeowner’s wrists and ankles with tape and held him at gunpoint while ransacking the home. They stole collectibles and cash, then fled the scene in the homeowner’s 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, authorities said.

Police located the unoccupied vehicle in New Brunswick after it crashed. Read More: Homeowner Held At Gunpoint During West Caldwell Robbery, Police Say

On Monday, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced that three North Brunswick residents have been apprehended in connection with the robbery: Joel Llanes, 32, Israel Ruiz, 30, and Louis Ramirez, 25.

Each suspect has been charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree home invasion and first-degree kidnapping. They also face multiple weapons and conspiracy charges, prosecutors said.

An investigation continues. Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Monday’s announcement was made in coordination with the West Caldwell and New Brunswick police departments, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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