The Colonie Police Department is investigating a Home Invasion Burglary that occurred at 11:45 p.m. on Monday, August 25 at 2627 Third Avenue First Floor.
The male resident of the apartment, Joseph A. Berghela, 56, was investigating a noise that he heard from outside when he was approached by three black men and was struck in the head with a silver handgun. Berghela fell to the ground and observed two of the suspects enter his apartment while the third male stood over him.
The suspects that entered the apartment were observed to be looking around and moving items inside. Berghela yelled to a female resident, Bonnie J. Brozowski, 53, inside to get out of the apartment and she did flee the apartment. All three suspects ran away after Brozowski fled the apartment. Berghela found Brozowski on the lawn next door and she was bleeding from a head injury. It is not known how she sustained the injury, but it appears that she suffered blunt force to the rear of her head.
Brozowski was admitted to Albany Medical Center Hospital and her condition is unknown, but not believed to be life threatening. Berghela also suffered a head laceration, but was treated and released from Albany Medical Center Hospital. Nothing was reported stolen from the residence.
This is not a random incident and Berghela stated that the suspects were looking for marijuana and/or cash and that he may be familiar with at least one of the suspects. Berghela has stopped cooperating with the investigation. Brozowski has not been able to be interviewed due to her medical treatment. This is an on-going investigation and while several persons of interest have been interviewed, no arrests have been made.
The suspects are described as a Black Male in his 20’s, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, black male in his 30’s, taller, white hooded sweatshirt and black male, unknown age, stocky build, blue hooded sweatshirt
Anyone with information about this crime or the identity of the suspects is urged to contact the Colonie Police Department at 783-2744.
