Two of three men dressed as law enforcement officers were arrested Tuesdayafter they broke into a home and tasered several of the residents, including a 4 month-old infant.
The incident happened around 5:12pm in the 6800 block of Hobbton Highway near Clinton.
Lt. Marcus Smith with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrived and spotted two men dressed in dark clothing wearing tactical vests with “SWAT” imprinted on them. The two suspects ran in opposite directions, but were soon captured.
One suspect, Naquan Lavert Bryant, was caught nearby armed with a stun gun and pellet gun. The second suspect, Rashad Eugene Carlee, was found in a wooded area by a K-9 team a short time later.
Authorities believe a total of 3 suspects forced their way into the home, occupied by two adults and 5 children, with the intent to commit a robbery. One of the children, who was 11, hid in a closet and called 911 for help. When she was discovered by one of the suspects, a gun was pointed at her and the suspect threatened to kill her.
Some of the victims in the home, including a 4 month-old infant, were shocked with a stun gun. The infant was shocked in the face.
The third suspect fled from the scene in a grey vehicle prior to deputies arrived. No additional information has been released about that suspect.
The adults in the home were ages 36 and 47. The children including the 4 month-old, 1 year-old, 5 year-old, 11 year-old, and 13 year-old. The names of the victims are being withheld for safety reasons.
Four were treated for stun gun burn marks.
“It is despicable that someone would torture children, and for what, a little cash,” stated Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. “I am thankful that we were able to capture at least two of the three individuals responsible for this heinous act. We will continue to work diligently to identify the third suspect.”
