Brooklyn Man Charged In Violent Queens Home Invasion
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A Brooklyn man is facing burglary, robbery, and assault charges in connection with an April 2014 home invasion.
The incident left an elderly Bayside couple seriously injured.
"The alleged victims in this case, both octogenarians, weren't just robbed of their possessions. The defendant allegedly stole the couple's sense of security that they were safe from harm in their own home. The residents of Queens County can be assured that this case will be prosecuted vigorously and swiftly to ensure that justice is served," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Vincente Barzola, 39, was indicted on Thursday. An alleged accomplice was previously charged.
Authorities say Barzola and co-defendant Christopher Ramirez arrived at the home of John and Sofia Dima and claimed to be maintenance workers. When Sofia Dima, then 85, unlocked the door the pair allegedly stormed into the home.
Ramirez, who was arrested in June, allegedly went upstairs and assaulted a sleeping John Dima, then 87, before pepper spraying him and tying his hands with plastic ties.
Ramirez and Barzola allegedly made off with a safe containing over $15,000 in cash, along with gold and diamond jewelry.
The couple was hospitalized, and Mr. Dima now requires a cane to walk.
