DUBOIS – The three men accused of an early morning home invasion Monday in Sandy Township are now facing additional charges in DuBois City, according to Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
The defendants are Eric Britton, 29, of Church Street, Falls Creek; Jeffrey Sprague, 28, of Coal Hollow Road, Verona; and Austin Eheart, 20, of Palmyra, VA. Officer Michael Davidson of the DuBois City Police Department filed criminal complaints, charging them with robbery, two counts; burglary; criminal trespass; aggravated assault; simple assault; criminal conspiracy; and criminal attempt to commit theft by unlawful taking.
According to the criminal complaints, at approximately 1:03 a.m. June 12, police were dispatched to a disturbance at a residence on Grove Place, DuBois. Upon arrival police encountered the victim whose face was visibly swollen and covered with blood.
Further investigation revealed the victim was woken by another resident who reported that three males had been striking his vehicle with a baseball bat. The victim told police Sprague, Eheart and Britton then entered his residence. Eheart and Britton were wearing blue bandannas to cover their faces. Once inside the residence, Sprague ordered Eheart and Britton to attack the victim.
The victim reported that he attempted to run, but Eheart and Britton chased him upstairs and began punching and kicking him. The victim said once forced back downstairs, Sprague began punching and kicking him in the face. Sprague also threatened that “there better not be any cops or this won’t be over.” Sprague, Eheart and Britton searched for the victim’s car keys and left the residence once they were found.
On Tuesday DuBois City police received information that Sprague was located at a residence on West Washington Avenue. DuBois City and Sandy Township police went to the residence and apprehended both Sprague and Eheart. Police also located Britton at a residence on South Main Street. All three defendants were taken into custody and transported to the Clearfield County Jail.
Shaw said on Tuesday Sprague was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins, and Britton and Eheart were arraigned today by Magisterial District Judge Patrick N. Ford. Bail was set at $100,000 for each of the defendants. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for June 28.
Shaw said he was very pleased with the investigative efforts of Davidson and the DuBois City police in order to identify and locate the three defendants in a timely manner. Shaw noted this was an intense investigation by the DuBois City police.
Shaw explained that this type of violent criminal activity is completely unacceptable, and continued efforts will be made to identify, investigate and prosecute criminals who are responsible for this type of behavior. Shaw thanked the DuBois City and Sandy Township police for their hard work and assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”