Crime Beat: Essex Man Arrested in Home Invasion

Police arrested a 21-year-old man and charged him with armed robbery and assault in connection with an alleged June 7 home invasion on the 600 block of Middlesex Road.

William R. Marley, of the 1000 block of Foxchase Lane, allegedly entered the home around 3 p.m. with another unknown subject after getting the 22-year-old male victim to open the door.

 According to police reports, the unknown subject struck the victim in the face with a gun three times, causing a cut on the victim’s face. Marley then allegedly entered the home and asked him, “Where’s the stuff?”

Police said the pair then forced the victim upstairs before a loud noise startled the suspects, causing them to flee from the home. The victim and his roommate advised they knew Marley and were friends until a recent falling-out.

The pair told police Marley threatened them with violence for accusing him of stealing their belongings as they moved into their home. The roommate provided police with a photo of Marley through Facebook, which police used to identify and arrest him.

Here are other crimes reported to the Essex Precinct:

Alberge Lane, 100 block, June 12: At about 12:25 a.m., an unknown suspect ran up from behind a 17-year-old male in front of a home, grabbed his cell phone from his hand and ran off in an unknown direction. Total loss: $250.

Cralthorn Road, 2200 block, June 9-12: An unknown suspect entered a home and stole two 32-inch TVs, jewelry, two laptop computers and a video game console with assorted games. The residents told police they were out of town at the time of the alleged theft. Total loss: $7,014.

Southorn Road, 2100 block, June 8-9: Someone took the air conditioning condenser from a unit in the backyard of a home. Total loss: $1,000.

Vailthorn Road, 2200 block, June 8-9: An unknown person entered the basement of a home and stole DVDs, a camera, cash, beer, a ring and a DVD player. Total loss: $1,265.

Holly Neck Road, 2100 block, June 7-9: An unknown subject forced open a rear door of a home under construction. The suspects allegedly stole a 14-inch flat-screen TV, a 30-inch flat-screen TV, a printer, a Blu-ray player and several movies. The homeowner told police he forgot to set the alarm. Total loss: $600.

Maple Road, 1100 block, June 7: Between 8:30–10 a.m. someone entered the shed of a home and stole a charger with a battery, a power saw and a power screwdriver. Total loss: $340.

Greenbank Road, 7000 block, May 1-June 6: A 70-year-old woman reported that an unknown person entered the home and stole the copper piping. She told police that while she owns the property, the home is unlivable at the time. Total loss: $200.