UPDATE: Three now in custody, one at large after McMinn Co. home invasion

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: UPDATE: John Barnes turned himself in on Sunday and is now being held on a $60,000 bond, said Sheriff Joe Guy.

Barnes faces charges of aggravated burglary.


Benjamin Croft, 28, is still wanted by the McMinn County Sheriff's Department in connection to the armed home invasion.
 
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately or contact Sheriff Joe Guy on social media.

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An attempted home invasion on County Road 651 in McMinn County has resulted in two arrests and two suspects wanted on criminal charges.

On Thursday, September 12, Sheriff Joe Guy responded to the call around 5:30pm. A woman had locked herself in the bathroom of her home with her firearm when three armed men attempted to break in.

When the MCSD arrived, they noticed a black Kia Optima behaving suspiciously. The deputy saw that the driver, Marus Bradford, fit the description of one of the suspects and detained him. He was transported to the McMinn County Justice Center.

Inside the residence, deputies spoke with the victim about the experience:

“The female homeowner was understandably upset,” said Sheriff Joe Guy. “She stated that there were two white males and a black male that kicked her door in and began pointing rifles at her demanding for her to give them her jewelry. She stated that she yelled for them to leave and then retreated into her room to retrieve a firearm and that all three males then fled the scene. The victim gave good descriptions of all the suspects, and based on other evidence the officers found, they were able to positively identify all of them.”

Marcus Bradford told police that he had dropped the other suspects off at the scene and that they had left their wallets and cell phones in the car with him.

When deputies searched the area, they identified Daniel Velasquez walking down a nearby road. He was also taken into custody.

Marcus Bradford is charged with accessory to Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Schedule 2 Cocaine, Possession of Schedule 2 Suboxone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and is held under a $100,000 bond. Daniel Velasquez is charged with Aggravated Robbery and is held on a $80,000 bond.


John Barnes (left) & Benjamin Croft (right).


Two other suspects are wanted by law enforcement. John P. Barnes, 29, was last seen in Bradley County. Benjamin S. Croft, 28, was last seen in McMinn County.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately or contact Sheriff Joe Guy on social media.