Erie police charge 3 in attempted home-invasion robbery where gunshot fired - Erie Times-News

ERIE, Pennsylvania — Three local residents are facing severe legal consequences after an attempted home-invasion robbery on Friday evening resulted in gunfire inside a city home, according to the Erie Police Department.

The incident unfolded on December 27, 2024, at approximately 7:15 p.m. at a home in the 1100 block of West 26th Street. Erie police report that three masked individuals forced entry through a side door of the residence. Inside, they confronted the homeowner and demanded cash. When the homeowner resisted and a physical struggle ensued, one of the intruders discharged a single round from a handgun.

The bullet lodged in a living room wall, and fortunately, neither the homeowner nor the suspects were struck. The gunshot startled the suspects, who fled the house immediately without obtaining any money or property. They fled in a dark-colored sedan that was parked nearby, according to police reports.

Erie police detectives quickly launched an investigation, utilizing neighborhood security cameras and public tips. Within hours, officers located the getaway vehicle and identified the suspects as 20-year-old Elijah Jackson, 22-year-old Devonte Smith, and 23-year-old Christian Thomas. All three were apprehended early Saturday morning at an apartment on Erie's east side without incident.

A search warrant executed at the apartment led to the recovery of two handguns, one of which matched the caliber of the shell casing found at the crime scene. Police also recovered masks and gloves believed to have been used during the break-in.

Jackson, Smith, and Thomas have been charged with attempted homicide, attempted robbery, burglary, conspiracy, and carrying a firearm without a license. They were arraigned on December 28 and are being held at the Erie County Prison after failing to post $250,000 bail each.

"This was an incredibly dangerous situation that could have easily resulted in a tragedy," said Erie Police Detective Sgt. William Goozdich. "Thanks to the quick work of our patrol officers and detectives, we were able to quickly take these individuals off the streets before anyone else was put in danger."