Coon Rapids Family Terrorized By Utility Worker Impersonators
COON RAPIDS (WCCO) -- Along a quiet street in a scenic part of Coon Rapids, Monday morning's solitude turned quickly violent.
Two men claiming to be utility workers rang a home's doorbell and talked their way in. Suddenly, the family living on the 10300 block of Mississippi Boulevard would be filled with fear.
"The resident didn't suspect anything, opened the door to these two men. One went downstairs and one stayed upstairs," said Anoka County Sheriff's Commander Paul Sommer.
That's when 34-year-old Robert Owens allegedly pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the wife and demanded money.
Meantime, the second intruder, who police identify as 34-year-old Marvin Dancy, began wrestling with the woman's husband, who picked up a large coffee mug and threw it at Dancy, striking him in the face.
When the couple's 20-year-old son joined in the struggle, the two armed burglars fled out the front door to an awaiting vehicle that was parked on the street.
Behind the wheel of the getaway vehicle was 36-year-old Donald Wayne Carter. As he drove away, the homeowners reportedly threw rocks at the vehicle in an attempt to break the rear window, making it more identifiable to police.
As it turned out, that wasn't necessary. The description of the men and the sports utility vehicle they were driving was broadcast to other police agencies. Later Monday morning, Brooklyn Park officers spotted the suspicious vehicle and arrested all three suspects.
"These complainants are lucky nothing more serious happened to them, and it's good they are now in custody," said Sommer.
Monday's home invasion prompts a safety reminder from Coon Rapids police, who say homeowners need to exercise extreme caution whenever they answer the door to strangers.
"You need to be a little more cautious. Perhaps ask for identification or call the business from where they are from and confirm they are there for a valid reason," said Captain John Hattstrom.
Owens, Dancy and Carter are each charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree felony assault. Bail for Dancy and Carter is set at $250,000 and Owens is being held on $1 million. That's because he was wanted for an outstanding warrant in Ramsey County.
Police in St. Paul suspect Owens for the attempted murder of an acquaintance back in July 2010, where he allegedly shot a man eight times in the stomach. That man survived the shooting and named Owens as his attacker.
