Police Work Long Hours to Nab Home Invasion Suspects

Both of the two suspects wanted in connection with the Milton Avenue home invasion last Sunday are in police custody.

Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan said police arrested Abelardo Maldonado, 27, of 27 Tiffany St., Cranston and Joshua Perry, 28, of 137 Academy Ave., Providence, with a litany of crimes relating to the home invasion during which they allegedly bound a 25-year-old Cranston man with duct tape after pistol whipping him.

The investigation began last Sunday around 2:30 a.m. when Cranston officers arrived at Milton Ave. for a report of a man on the first floor with a gun. They soon learned that the 25-year-old first floor resident had been pistol whipped and bound with duct tape while Perry and Maldonado reportedly stole sneakers, a large amount of marijuana, the victim's wallet, credit cards, two video game systems, a cell phone and an undetermined amount of cash.

The victim freed himself about about 30 minutes and contacted the second floor residents, who then called police. He was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Investigators were told that the victim knew one of the victims and armed with a nickname and other information, they were able to develop some leads and soon had Maldonado as a possible suspect.

Maldonado reportedly told the victim that he wanted to come by to "hang out" that night and when the victim got home, found Maldonado waiting from him in front of the house.

"[The victim] stated he thought this was odd, but decided to invite Maldonado into his home anyway. As they entered the home, an unidentified suspect snuck up behind Joaquim and struck him several times in the head with a silver revolver with a white handle," Ryan said.

At headquarters, police used a photo array and the victim promptly identified Maldonado as one of his assailants. 

Cranston detectives got a warrant and soon were ready to take Maldonado in on robbery charges. They tracked down a family member who was able to convince Maldonado to turn himself in to police.

As the investigation continued, Det. Sgt. Michael Pezzullo and Det. Robert Grasso were able to get a Perry's name and address. They soon had a warrant for him as well.

Over the next four days, Cranston detectives teamed up with the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force to find Perry. They checked "locations throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts" and on Thursday afternoon just before 3 p.m., Dets. Jaime Cahill and Lee Sohn, along with the U.S. Marshals and fugitive task force members converged on a house in Central Falls where Perry was taken into custody without incident.

At the time of his arrest, Perry was found to be in possession of marijuana, cash and happened to be wearing a pair of designer sneakers that were stolen from the Milton Avenue home invasion.

Maldonado was arraigned Monday morning and is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. He will return to court on Feb. 3.

Perry is expected to be arraigned today in Kent County District Court.

“I am truly impressed, although not surprised by the tireless efforts and professionalism demonstrated by the team of Cranston Police Detectives who worked on this case," Ryan said. "From the time the incident occurred, the first responding patrol officers and detectives worked very hard to identify the parties responsible for this violent act and within hours, the first suspect was in custody and the second suspect was identified. Detectives virtually worked around the clock on this case and then through collaborative efforts with our state and federal law enforcement partners, the second violent suspect was taken into custody and brought to justice."

Here's a complete list of charges facing both Maldonado and Perry:

Abelardo Maldonado:

• 1st Degree Robbery 11-39-1

Joshua Perry:

• 1st Degree Robbery 11-39-1

• Larceny of a Firearm 11-47-5.1

• Larceny o/$1500 11-41-1

• Assault w/Intent to Commit a Felony 11-5-1