Officials: Suspect Killed In Valley Stream Home Invasion Shot Himself
VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities say a suspected burglar found dead following a police shootout during a Long Island home invasion shot himself in the head.
Police say 37-year-old Timothy Capers and an accomplice had attempted to steal more than $22,000 from the Valley Stream home Monday night.
Cops say the two burst into the home with guns and tied up at least three people. Inside were two adults and four children.
The homeowner's brother said he called 911 when he drove up to the house Monday night and saw a man with a gun in the driveway, but was then ushered inside and held hostage as police responded.
Police say when officers arrived, the suspects began shooting as they tried to flee. One of the cops managed to free the family before the gunfire erupted.
Officers fired at Capers, but an autopsy showed he was hit by his own .410-gauge revolver.
The officer who saved the family was not identified by police, but was praised by neighbors.
"I think that's amazing and I said to my husband that's one thing you can rely on in this neighborhood and that's the police," said neighbor Gail Gonzalez.
Officials say Capers' accomplice, 47-year-old Levy Robinson, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of burglary, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon.
Police say the two had targeted the home because the family owns a number of liquor stores.
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