Police have charged a fourth person – identified as the driver – in the alleged armed Pottsville home invasion earlier this month.
Kiyone Sherwood, 19, of New Philadelphia, faces two felony counts of first-degree robbery, two felony counts of first-degree burglary, and one misdemeanor count of theft, according to court documents filed Friday in District Court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Police say they connected Sherwood to the May 7 home invasion in the 500 block of N. Centre St. after identifying a vehicle captured on surveillance footage.
According to police, video showed a white 2009 Dodge Caliber leaving the rear parking lot of the apartment building just before 8 p.m. with four individuals inside, including previously charged suspect Julian Chapman, 17, of Saint Clair. An off-duty officer later spotted the same vehicle and observed another suspect, Coleby Dimitri, 18, of Mount Carmel, getting inside.
Police traced the registration to a New Philadelphia residence. On May 12, investigators located the vehicle parked outside and spoke with Sherwood.
Sherwood admitted to knowing the three other individuals accused in the incident but said he was not involved and was not in Pottsville on May 7, claiming he was “probably home playing video games,” according to court documents. He also said on two separate occasions that he is the only person who ever drives the vehicle.
During the interview, police say Sherwood became “extremely nervous,” shivering and eventually sitting on the kitchen floor with his hands over his face and hair.
As police left the residence, they looked into Sherwood’s vehicle from the sidewalk and observed black clothing, a mask, and black gloves in plain view, items matching those reportedly worn during the robbery.
Police had the vehicle towed and executed a search warrant the following day. Inside, a black ski mask, three black and gray gloves, a white Xbox controller, and a GameStop receipt for turning in an Xbox on May 10 were all recovered. Based on the investigation, police requested an arrest warrant for Sherwood for his alleged role as an accomplice and getaway driver.
Sherwood joins three other teenagers charged in connection with the violent incident: 17-year-old Chapman, Joshua Brevett, 19, of Mahanoy City, and Dimitri, of Mount Carmel. Brevett was denied bail, Chapman was released after posting $100,000 monetary bail, and an active arrest warrant remains for Dimitri.
According to the initial complaint, the incident unfolded when Chapman, who was inside the apartment and reportedly acting anxious, went downstairs to allegedly let someone inside. Three masked intruders – later identified by witnesses as Chapman, Brevett, and Dimitri – then forced their way into an upstairs bedroom.
Police say Dimitri and Brevett brandished handguns and ordered the victims to empty their pockets.
After forcing most of the victims downstairs, Chapman and Dimitri allegedly cornered a female victim in the bedroom. When the woman refused to give up her cell phone, police say Dimitri slammed her to the ground, pointed a handgun at her head, and threatened her life. According to the affidavit, Dimitri then pulled the woman to the edge of a bed by her legs and attempted to pull down her leggings. Witnesses stated the assault ended when Brevett re-entered the room and told Dimitri to get off of her.
The suspects allegedly stole an AR-style rifle, a PlayStation 5, clothing, money, and marijuana before fleeing the scene in the Dodge Caliber.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Masked Teens Held Victims at Gunpoint in Pottsville Home Invasion, Police Say
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...