45°
Officers from the Milford Police Department were dispatched to a West Main Street home shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 26, when there was a report of a man threatening his victim with a gun. Police said they received the complaint from a third party who was notified of the incident through a social media messaging account.
Investigators said that officers arrived at the home, where they found West Haven resident Cassandra Vitale, 26, and New Haven resident Sean Artis, 32, in the home with their alleged victim. Police said the victim stated that three men and Vitale entered his home without permission to attempt to collect a debt that was owed to her.
According to police, Artis told his victim that he had a gun, and if he tried to contact police, he would kill him. His victim managed to send a message through social media to his friend, who alerted police. By the time officers arrived, the two other men had left the home. The investigation into their whereabouts is ongoing.
Police said that Artis is accused of being in possession of a BB gun, which was recovered in his jacket when he was arrested. He and Vitale are also accused of being in possession of crack cocaine, heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Both Vitale and Artis were arrested and charged with home invasion, conspiracy to commit home invasion, possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. Artis was also charged with possession of facsimile firearm and threatening.
Following their arraignment, both Artis and Vitale are being held on a $200,000 bond and were scheduled to appear in Milford Court on Wednesday, Dec. 26 to respond to the charges.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
