NORWICH – Police say a Sherburne man broke down a door of a Norwich home and then robbed an inhabitant at knife point before fleeing with stolen property.

Police reported that at about 6 a.m. On March 16 the Norwich City Police Department received a 911 complaint of a burglary and robbery at a home in the City of Norwich.

Norwich Detective Sergeant Reuben Roach said police were on scene within minutes of the call and the suspect had fled before police arrived. He said an investigation then began leading to an arrest this week.

“Norwich Police Officers responded to an address on Diamond Street in the City of Norwich and learned that a resident had their house door forced open, and that the principal entered into the residence armed with a knife. The principal further made threats to the homeowner and proceeded to steal property and a quantity of U.S. Currency,” reported the NPD in a statement Friday.

On Thursday police arrested a suspect in the crime, John Earl Bush Sr., age 44, of Sherburne. He was charged with first degree robbery and burglary, both B class felonies, along with second degree menacing and petit larceny, misdemeanors.

“Norwich Police Officers were on the scene within two minutes of the 911 call, and an investigation ensued,” reported Roach. “With the cooperation from members of the City of Norwich, and a thorough investigation, the Norwich Police Department was able to locate and arrest Mr. Bush in regards to this incident.”

The Norwich Police Department was assisted by New York State Parole and the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office. John Bush Sr. was arraigned in Norwich City Court and held without bail, pending further hearings.

- By Tyler Murphy, Sun Managing Editor