Lowell Police ID Officer Who Shot Armed Home Invasion Suspect
LOWELL (CBS) -- Police have identified the officer who shot a suspect while responding to an armed home invasion on Pine Hill Street Saturday night.
Lowell Police said that Officer Buntha Kieng, who is in his third year with the department, was the officer involved. Kieng was uninjured, and is currently on administrative leave, as is consistent department procedure after an officer-involved shooting.
Christopher Covey, 46, of Groveland, and Timothy Berry, 48, of Haverhill were charged with armed home invasion Sunday. Berry was also charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon to wit handgun. Police said both had lengthy criminal records.
Police said that, when Kieng arrived at the scene, one of the victims of the home invasion took him to the front door of the home. They said Berry raised a firearm toward Kieng as the front door opened, and Kieng fired at Berry, hitting him twice. Kieng gave medical aid to Berry and the victims once Berry was secured.
Coveywas arrested a few blocks away. Police said he was injured during the arrest and taken to Lowell General Hospital Saturday night. Two people inside the home who were allegedly assaulted by the suspects were also taken to a hospital after suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
Police recovered a handgun they say Berry pointed at Kieng. They also found fake badges and handcuffs, and suggested Sunday that the suspects may have been impersonating police officers.
When Mass. State Police and Lowell Police executed a search warrant on the Pine Hill Street home, they found a large amount of cash and marijuana.
Authorities believe the victims were specifically targeted.
Berry was released from the hospital Monday. He will be processed and held at the Lowell Police Station, and is expected to be arraigned Tuesday morning in Lowell District Court with Covey, his co-defendant.