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Man Conspired to Rob Former Business Partner: Norwich Police

Norwich police have arrested a man accused of conspiring to rob a former business partner during a home invasion in December.

Police arrested 54-year-old Daniel O’Brien, of Lisbon, on April 27. Investigators allege that O’Brien and two other men entered a home through an unlocked back door on West Town Street on Dec. 1, 2017, attacked the two men inside, and stole a cell phone and a bag with approximately $8,000 in cash.

The victims told police the suspects threatened to use a gun, but never showed one.

The victims, a 46-year-old man and a 59-year-old man, suffered moderate injuries. The older victim was kicked and punched in the head and was treated at William Backus Hospital.

Through investigation police identified O’Brien and 39-year-old Luiz “Chop” Ruiz as two of the suspects involved. According to police, O’Brien and one of the victims owned several boarding/sober houses together, and had decided to end their business partnership. The victims were dealing with rental money for some of the properties O’Brien was familiar with at the time of the home invasion, police said.

O’Brien was charged with accessory to home invasion, accessory to first-degree robbery, accessory to third-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit home invasion, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.

Ruiz was charged with home invasion, second-degree assault, first-degree robbery, and third-degree larceny.

Police are still searching for a third suspect who may be nicknamed “Pyscho.” The man is described as 5-foot-8, stocky, in his early 20s with long black hair worn in a ponytail or bun. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on the third suspect should contact Det. Wilbur at 860-886-5561 ext. 3154. or the Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 860-886-5561 ext. 4. Tips may be kept confidential.

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