East Hampton Town police made an arrest on Wednesday in connection to a "brutal home invasion" that occurred this summer.
Alexander C. Haje, 26, of Southampton, was held without bail on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, fourth-degree conspiracy, which are all felonies, and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a misdemeanor, following an arraignment in East Hampton Town Justice Court on Thursday.
He pleaded not guilty before East Hampton Town Justice Catherine A. Cahill. At his arraignment on Thursday, it was revealed that he is a prior felony offender.
According to police, "Haje and an accomplice lured the victim outside his residence where he was assaulted and forced back into the home," at 40 Fanning Ave., in the Maidstone Park area, on July 27 at about 11:30 p.m.
"Once inside, the assault continued until the defendants fled with cash, credit cards and electronics. Detectives believe the pair mistakenly went to the wrong home in an attempt to rob another man of drugs and money," a statement from police said.
Haje is due back in justice court on Tuesday, unless he is indicted in Suffolk County Criminal Court before then. Represented by the Legal Aid Society, Haje told the judge that he works part-time as a sterilization technical at East End Dialysis Management in Riverhead.
Police did not release the victim's name. Justice Cahill issued an order of protection, prohibiting Haje from contacting the individual and his family.
The second suspect is being actively sought. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Hampton Town police at 631-537-7575. All calls will be kept confidential.