Child’s quick thinking alerted police to a home invasion in North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The North Haven Police Department is applauding a child’s quick thinking that alerted authorities of a home invasion yesterday evening.

Friday at 6:00 p.m., North Haven officers arrived at Avalon Haven Dr. after a child called 911 to report an unknown male armed with a knife entered their home.

The unknown male, who police say was dressed in dark clothing, wearing a ski mask, had wraps covering his hands, and armed with a large knife, fled the home after an adult male resident confronted him with an axe.

Officers searched the surrounding area and detained 44-year-old Demitrias Terrell, who was seen exiting a wooded area.

Terrell was in possession of a large knife, ski mask, and hand wraps that police say are commonly used for boxing. He was identified as the individual who unlawfully entered the residence.

With a $500,000 bond, Terrell is charged with home invasion, possession of a dangerous weapon, threatening in the first degree, three counts of risk of injury to a minor, and criminal attempt to commit robbery.

“We are thankful nobody was hurt, and for the quick actions by our evening shift and child caller,” said the North Haven Police Department.

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