On January 4 at 10:36 p.m., the Rye Police responded to an emergency call of an armed encounter at Rye Colony. Three perpetrators attempted to break into a Peck Avenue apartment occupied by Kujtim and Lindita Nicaj and their two children.

By Jim Byrne

On January 4 at 10:36 p.m., the Rye Police responded to an emergency call of an armed encounter at Rye Colony. Three perpetrators attempted to break into a Peck Avenue apartment occupied by Kujtim and Lindita Nicaj and their two children.

The assailants fled the scene, but Rye Police pursued and were able to apprehend 24-year-old Emiljan Lumaj, a member of the Harrison High School class of 2006 and current Morris Park resident. He was charged with menacing in the second degree, and first-degree burglary with the threat of a dangerous instrument. Lumaj was placed in custody and remanded to Westchester County Jail.

Rye Police Lt. Joseph Verille said the investigation was ongoing, and was hesitant to release additional details. He did say that the perpetrators may not have known the victims personally, but that they were likely targeted.

He added, “Home invasions like this are not random.”