WHITING — Vermont State Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a June 6 home invasion in Whiting during which the victim was beaten and stabbed.
Police confirmed on Monday the arrest of Ricardo Romero-DeLaCruz, 20, of Cardenas Tabasco, Mexico. He was identified by Efrain Jimez-DeLaCruze, 30, of Whiting, as having allegedly been one of two suspects who assaulted him with metal pipes and a knife while he was sleeping inside his Route 30 home. Jimez-DeLaCruze was treated for multiple lacerations and stab wounds during the alleged attack, according to police. No robbery is reported to have occurred and VSP believe this incident was directed at the victim only.
Following the home invasion, detectives with the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation obtained information from the victim, Jimez-DeLaCruze, that one of the suspects was Romero-DeLaCruz, a distant relative. Investigators initiated a search of local farms based on the information they received in an attempt to locate the suspect. Meanwhile, Romero-DeLaCruz learned that VSP were searching for him turned himself in on Saturday, June 8, according to police.
Romero-DeLaCruz was arrested and lodged for a lack of $25,000 bail at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Center in Rutland and cited for aggravated assault and burglary. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Addison Superior Court Criminal Division today.
Police continue to look for a second suspect in connection with the crime.
Anyone with information the case is asked to call VSP Det. Sgt. Albert Abdelnour, New Haven Barracks, at 388-4919. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at www.vtips.info or by texting “CRIMES” (274637) to Keyword: VTIPS.