Stamford police have arrested two suspects in a home invasion and assault at a home in the Belltown area of Stamford.
Police said Joseph Donofrio, 32, and Michael Polizzi, 31, knocked on the door a 46-year-old man’s home and said his car had been struck, police said.
After getting his attention, they viciously attacked the victim, beating and hitting him, then pushed him into the house, where the assault continued until the victim grabbed a knife and stabbed Donofrio in the arm to protect himself, police said.
The fight then continued onto the front lawn, but several residents saw what was happening and called 911.
When police arrived, they saw Donofrio running down the street, so officers chased and brought him into custody a short time later.
Donofrio was treated for a stab wound to his arm.
Soon after, police saw Polizzi hiding under a van in the back yard of a house, so they took him into custody.
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The victim of the home invasion was taken to Stamford Hospital, where he is being treated for several fractures to his face and skull. Police said he is expected to survive his injuries.
Police said they found a vehicle that belonged to Donofrio down the street from the home invasion, as well as evidence linking both suspects to the crime. Investigators are processing the vehicle.
Polizzi and Donofrio were charged with home invasion, armed robbery, first-degree assault and conspiracy.
Bond for both was set at $500,000 and both were arraigned in Stamford Superior Court this morning. It’s not clear if the men have attorneys.
The investigation continues and police are trying to determine why the suspects targeted the victim and looking into whether the two men have been involved in any other criminal activity in Stamford.
Police ask anyone with information to call the Stamford Police Department detective bureau at 203-977-4417.
