Hrishikesh Joshi has lived in his Tulin Park Loop home for the past two years.
After news that police charged five people in the Anchorage home invasion robberies, Joshi says he feels safer now.
Joshi, however, has not always felt that way.
Months ago, several men robbed a woman and her son at gunpoint while they stole items from their home. The armed robbery took place March 8 in the 11000 block of Tulin Park Loop.
The robbery marked the first of four across Anchorage in a month.
The 12000 block of Brandon Street is where the suspects struck nine days later, March17. They then robbed another house in the 16000 block of Centerfield Drive on March 29. The final robbery took place April 2 in the 3000 block of East 65th Avenue.
Anchorage police have arrested the suspects in connection with the crimes.
“The suspects needed the assets stolen to sustain some sort of habit or gain some sort of recognition in the group they hang out with,” said APD’s Sgt. Michael Coutorier about the alleged motive behind the crimes.
Among those arrested are Andy Garcia, 18, and Matthew Colding, 20. Both are dealing with more serious charges as well.
The two are also suspects in the Aug. 13 shooting in the parking lot of a Sports Authority in South Anchorage. The incident resulted in a 16-year-old girl suffering a bullet wound to her arm.
Police believe illegal drugs may have been the reason why the suspects targeted one of the homes in the string of robberies. They may have operated under a misconception, police said.
“Hitting that residence, in a home invasion, it wouldn’t be reported because of the activity in the residence,” Coutorier said.
But the homeowner did report the robbery, police said, which helped lead to the arrests.
Currently, there is no date set for the suspects to make their first court appearance. More arrests are expected, police said.
APD is asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP or to submit a tip online.