THREE BRONX MEN INDICTED FOR ALLEGED ROLES IN HOME INVASION GUNPOINT ROBBERY

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that three young men have been indicted for their alleged roles in a home invasion robbery in the Baychester section of the Bronx on May 31, 2007.

Angel Cabral, 20, of 547 Taylor Avenue, Wallmer Correas, 21, of 975 Simpson Street, and Kanjy Felipe, 21, of 86 Hunts Point Avenue, were charged, with multiple counts of Robbery in the 1st , 2nd and 3rd degrees, Burglary in the 1st and 2nd degrees, Attempted Robbery in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Cabral, Correas and Felipe are facing a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment if convicted of the most serious charges of Robbery in the 1st degree and Burglary in the 1st degree. Both are Class B felony offenses. The defendants are to be arraigned on the indictment on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 in State Supreme Court, Part A. Cabral and Correas are being held without bail. Bail for Felipe has been set at $250,000.

It is alleged that the defendants were “acting in concert” when they forced their way into the home of Maria Melendez, 40, demanded money and took several cellular telephones from the victim. Cabral, Correas, and Felipe were wearing ski masks in order to avoid being identified. During the robbery, the victim’s 12 year old son, who was taking a shower, escaped through a bathroom window and dialed 911 from a cell phone. An older son, 21, fled through a bedroom window, flagged down an unmarked police vehicle and led officers back to the house where the defendants were arrested. Cabral and Correas, who attempted to flee through the backyard, were shot and wounded when they allegedly pointed their weapons at the officers. Felipe was taken into custody without incident.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nelida Velez, Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 30/40 and Assistant District Attorney Felicity Lung.