Four charged in home invasion
Three people were stabbed during incident
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. >> Four people are facing numerous charges, including kidnapping, after two drug-related home invasions in which three people were stabbed Friday in Milton.
Arthur E. Brust Jr., 18, and Laurie M. Cannelli, 52, both of Ballston Spa, and Timothy P. Sims, 26, of Malta, were charged with second-degree kidnapping, three counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of seconddegree menacing, two counts of second-degree assault, fourth-degree conspiracy, third-degree criminal mischief, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and thirddegree assault. All three were sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of bail.
Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office says Brust, Cannelli and Timothy Sims allegedly forced their way into a home on Greenfield Avenue, in Mil-
ton, early Friday, assaulted a victim there and then kidnapped him at knife-point, forcing him to take them to a second residence.
At the second residence, the subjects allegedly forced their way into this home, stabbed two residents there and damaged property inside.
Police say Linda M. Sims, 23, of Malta, stayed in the assailants’ car during the incident and did not take part in the home invasion. She was charged with fourth-degree conspiracy and was released without being sent to jail.
“The incident was drug related,” Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said.
He declined comment about the type, quantity or value of drugs.
The suspects split up and fled from the scene. Three were stopped by a sheriff’s road patrol sergeant just down the road.
Deputies said Cannelli fled back to her residence, where she was arrested shortly thereafter.
During the series of events, one assailant was stabbed as well as both victims in the second residence. One stabbing victim was taken to Saratoga Hospital and later released. Two other stabbing victims were treated at the scene.
The kidnap victim and the two victims at the second residence are not facing criminal charges, Zurlo said.
Zurlo and Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said they are familiar with the persons who have been charged.
The defendants were processed and taken to Greenfield Town Court. Brust, Cannelli and Timothy Sims were sent to Saratoga County Jail with extensive bail.
This is the 17th time that Timothy Sims has been incarcerated at Saratoga County Jail, a Sheriff’s Office employee said.
It is the seventh and second time for Cannelli and Brust, respectively, the employee said.
All four defendants will return to Milton Town Court at a later date.