CULLMAN, Ala. – Three people have been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion and robbery that left a Cullman resident with serious injuries, according to the Cullman Police Department.
The incident occurred July 31 at a residence on Rosemont Avenue Southwest.
Police said three individuals unlawfully entered the home, assaulted the victim and stole money and other property before fleeing.
Responding officers found the victim with serious injuries to the face and head.
Investigators used the department’s FLOCK automated license plate reader system to locate a vehicle matching the description provided by the victim and witnesses. Police said information from the camera network helped identify one of the individuals involved and provided additional leads in the investigation.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office notified Cullman police investigators Aug. 4 that the vehicle had been found in Oneonta and two people had been detained.
The two were identified as Gracie Goble, 24, of Altoona, and Zachary Harris, 28, of Blountsville.
Cullman police investigators traveled to Oneonta and took Goble and Harris into custody.
Investigators identified the third person as Miguel Hurtado Jr., 40, of Altoona, on Aug. 5.
Cullman police investigators and Etowah County sheriff’s deputies located Hurtado at a residence in the Altoona area. Police said he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cullman County Detention Center.
Goble, Harris and Hurtado are each charged with:
- first-degree robbery
- first-degree burglary
- first-degree assault
- first-degree theft of property
- second-degree criminal mischief
- criminal use of a defense spray
Police did not release additional information about the property taken, the type of defense spray allegedly used or the victim’s current condition.
“This was a violent and deliberate attack, and I couldn’t be more proud of the outstanding work by our patrol officers and investigators,” Cullman Police Chief Joey Duncan said.
Duncan credited Investigators Hunter Riddlesperger and Nick Watkins with identifying and locating the three individuals.
“Their determination, attention to detail and relentless pursuit of those responsible simply would not stop until every suspect was identified and in custody,” Duncan said.
Duncan said the FLOCK camera system and cooperation among several law enforcement agencies helped investigators bring the case to a conclusion.
He thanked the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office and Snead Police Department for assisting Cullman investigators.
All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
