COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. – A Camden man has been charged in connection with a home invasion robbery that targeted an elderly couple in their 80s, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey.
Jose Sanabria, 32, faces two counts of first-degree armed robbery, along with charges of first-degree home invasion burglary, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Victims threatened during early morning break-in
The home invasion occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, when officers responded to a residence on the 100 block of East Summerfield Avenue following a report of a robbery.
Investigators said two men forced their way into the home and attacked the husband, repeatedly punching him in the face while demanding to know where gold coins were kept. One of the suspects was armed with a pocket-style knife.
According to authorities, the suspects dragged the victim upstairs, where his wife was found lying on the floor with a bag over her head. The intruders allegedly warned the husband not to move or they would kill his wife before fleeing with cash and gold valued at approximately $5,000.
Investigation led to arrest in Philadelphia
Detectives with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Collingswood Police Department used surveillance video, cellular data, and other investigative evidence to identify Sanabria as one of the alleged participants.
He was charged on June 23, prompting a fugitive investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force–Camden Division.
Sanabria was arrested on July 8 in Philadelphia by the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force–Philadelphia Division. Authorities said he remains in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
The investigation into a second suspect remains active, and prosecutors said no additional information is being released at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ryan Durham of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (856) 225-5127 or Detective Connor Collins of the Collingswood Police Department at (856) 854-1901. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through CAMDEN.TIPS.
