Police: 4 Men Arrested After Home Invasion Turns To Barricade Situation In Plymouth Meeting
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (CBS) -- Four Philadelphia men who attempted a home invasion-robbery in a quiet suburban Montgomery County community were thwarted when a neighbor called 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.
Plymouth Township police say Carol Bergman's call to 9-1-1 tipped them off and likely saved the life of the elderly homeowner on Weymouth Road.
When officers arrived at the scene, two men were seen fleeing the home. Those two suspects were later caught.
Police Chief Joe Lawrence says the call came shortly before 8:30 a.m. about a black pick-up truck and men trying to force their way into the home of a man in his 70s.
The chief says what the group didn't know was the man was inside home.
"All four males tried to get in the window of the house," said Chief Lawrence. "When the first two went in and placed the gun in his mouth and threatened to kill him as the third one was entering, the police arrived and they decided to flee at that time. The two inside the house kind of turned their back and the victim at that time was able to get out the front door and run also."
Lawrence says after the two refused to come out a SWAT unit was called and a nearly three-hour standoff ensued. The pair, hands raised, finally came out just before noon.
The four suspects were identified as Anthony Sabatino, 22, Anthony Thomas Ferliano, 31, Jason Hutton, 18, and Walter Mattis, 18.
They face home invasion, burglary and weapon charges.