Home invasion suspect picked up by police in Crestview

Charlie Dwyer

CRESTVIEW, FL – A suspect in a home invasion robbery near Crestview is now behind bars after an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted him walking down the street Sunday.

27-year old Matthew Gafford was walking in the area of Beal Parkway and Manring Drive when the deputy saw him and took him into custody.

Gafford was arrested on charges of robbery by home invasion, tampering with a victim (deprived use of 911), aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit a felony.


Investigators say Gafford went to the victim’s resident on Hill Drive February 27th and knocked on the door. When the victim opened the door, Gafford pointed a black handgun at him and pushed him back into the house. He hit the victim on the face with the gun and robbed him of cash and his cell phone before heading out.

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