Police Arrest Suspect In Armed Home Invasion In Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD - A Dorchester man has been charged with an armed home invasion in Chelmsford. Police say they caught the suspect after a neighbor heard the victim's screams and called 911.

"He just screamed for help, help, help, call 911, call 911," said neighbor Luis Tavares.

Police said when they arrived at the Tyngsboro Road home, they arrested Cedric Edwards, 45, after a brief foot chase.

Luis Tavares says he made it from his neighboring porch to the back of Building C just as the suspect came out the door.

"I see this guy with UPS jacket and a hat and the box in his hand run this way," Tavares said. "I said oh what's going on."

Tavares says he came face to face with the suspect.

"After he said he had a gun, a gun that's why I ran this way and the police came," Tavares said.

Chelmsford Police arrested Edwards just before 11 Thursday morning. Police say they recovered clothes he tossed along with a box containing zip-tie handcuffs.

A K-9 later found a loaded handgun. Police say Edwards used the gun to force his way into the victim's apartment before assaulting him.

"I'm glad they caught him you know and it was over pretty quickly, but that's scary," said Danielle Rosenbaum.

Edwards is facing several charges including armed home invasion and assault and battery.