SYRACUSE -- Syracuse Police say a lone police officer "probably saved the lives" of a west side family by firing his gun to thwart an armed home invasion.
The officer is identified as 46 year old Aylan Briedis, a 5 year veteran of the Syracuse Police Department. According to spokesman, Sergeant Tom Connellan, Briedis was the first to arrive at 512 Wilkinson Street to respond to a report of an armed robbery. When neighbors told him that a man was holding people at gunpoint, Officer Briedis entered the home and confronted a man wearing a mask. He was holding several adults on the floor at gunpoint.
Neighbor Heather Wightman says she heard the officer "saying I have a gun and I'm going to shoot." Within seconds, Wightman says she heard three shots.
Connellan says the robber and an accomplice who was also wearing a mask, fled out the back door, dropping the proceeds from the robbery. Connellan told reporters Monday afternoon, "that officer went in, put himself in harms way, distracted those guys and probably saved ...lives."
Evidence technicians and police officers cordoned off the area on Wilkinson Street around the house throughout the day. Police say the house was "targeted" by the robbers. Connellan said one of the victims had a "history" but he would not identify them. One of the victims was allegedly pistol whipped during the home invasion.
When asked if Officer Briedis would receive a commendation for bravery, both Connellan and Police Chief Frank Fowler said "probably."
EARLIER COVERAGE:
Syracuse Police are on the lookout for a man they say held up a group of people at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.
Police say an armed robbery call came in around 9:00 Sunday night on the 500 block of Wilkinson Street on Syracuse's west side. The first officer on scene arrived alone and found the suspect pointing a gun at several people inside the living room. Police say the suspect threatened the officer with his weapon, prompting the officer to fire his gun.
Police say the suspect then fled the scene, but it is unclear whether he was struck by a bullet.
Police say at least ten people were home at the time of the home invasion. Two people inside the home were hurt, but will be okay.
Police say they are looking for a black man with black clothing and have reason to suspect a second suspect could be involved.
If you have any information on this incident, you are asked to call police at (315) 442-5222.
