Early on the morning of Saturday, March 18, two males illegally entered a home on Elizabeth Street in the borough, after which they physically assaulted a male occupant, punching the man in the face, according to police.

Police said that at 3:23 am, they received a 911 call on the incident from a woman who was temporarily staying at the house. Elizabeth Street links South Main Street to Queen Street.

"Upon arrival, the [female] reported that two individuals broke into the private residence and physically assaulted her companion, punching the victim in the face," according to police spokesman Lieutenant Aaron Bahamonde. The male victim was transported to Danbury Hospital where he was treated and released, according to police.

"The perpetrators were known to the victims, and were later located and arrested," Lt Bahamonde said.

Police said they charged Brian Carriero, 18, of Monroe, with first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, and disorderly conduct. A 17-year-old boy was also charged with the same offenses. Because the younger male is under 18, police did not disclose his identity.

After being contacted, the 17-year-old boy went to the police station with his parents and was arrested there. Police then released the boy on a written promise to appear on April 3 in Bridgeport Juvenile Court.

Police said that Carriero, who is a volunteer firefighter in Monroe, would not turn himself over to police after they had contacted him about the incident. They learned that Carriero was attending a firefighter training course at a firehouse in Trumbull, so police went there and found Carriero, arresting him.

After his arrest processing at the police station, Carriero posted $5,000 bail for an arraignment on March 20 in state Superior Court in Danbury.

In court, Carriero pleaded not guilty to all three charges. He remains free on $5,000 bail for an April 19 court appearance. Carriero is represented by a private attorney.

Of the incident at the Elizabeth Street house, Lt Bahamonde said, "Our officers responded promptly, aided the assault victim, and tracked down the offenders, both of whom were arrested without further incident."

The lieutenant added, "This was an isolated incident. No additional arrests are expected."