A man is being charged after breaking into an Ithaca home with a knife, robbing three victims, then fleeing from the police in their vehicle.
Ithaca Police say that on Saturday morning just after 6 a.m. they responded to a report of a home invasion robbery in progress.
They say three people woke up to 36-year-old Christian Little-Paz from Ithaca inside their home with a knife in hand. They say he demanded money and property.
The three victims say they do not know Little-Paz, and that they complied by giving him property. They say he then got into their vehicle and fled the scene.
An officer found the vehicle traveling on South Plain Street and began to follow it. They say Little-Paz attempted to get away from police and failed to comply with a vehicle and traffic stop.
Police say Little-Paz drove South down Elmira Road before crashing into a small tree in front of the Kwik Fill gas station. Officers say they ordered him out of the vehicle but he again failed to comply and tried to escape, but could,’t. They say the tree that was struck kept the car from moving.
Assistance was requested and received from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and Cornell University Police. The roadways were blocked off to prevent people from being put in danger.
After several more minutes of refusing to get out of the vehicle, he then emerged from the vehicle but still failed to comply.
Police say less than two bean bag munitions were then deployed, causing Little-Paz to fall to the ground.
Little-Paz continued to struggle with Officers and Deputies before being placed in handcuffs. Little-Paz received medical treatment due to his level of intoxication/impairment and is still being evaluated by medical professionals.
When Little-Paz is done with his medical treatment he will be arraigned on the following charges:
Robbery in the First Degree
Burglary in the First Degree
A follow-up press release will be completed when the arraignment of Little-Paz is finished.