Five people are under arrest in Jasper County after they're accused of holding a homeowner at gunpoint during a burglary.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon (around 2 pm) in a subdivision (Tanglewood Subdivision) a couple miles south of Demotte, Indiana.

The homeowner reported four suspects came in armed with guns and used a chemical spray to drive the victim's dog away. They pried open a safe and stole several items. They then took off in a van with a female driver.

The victim ran to a neighbor's home for help and they called police. The victim and witnesses provided authorities with detailed descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle.

Police said an off-duty deputy saw the vehicle in question get on Interstate 65 at the State Road 10 Exit. The deputy called for backup, and the vehicle was pulled over at the Crown Point Exit. The five suspects were removed from vehicle without serious incident.

In custody are: 19-year-old Devon Gaskin, 21-year-old Joshua Vasquez, and 18-year-old Teresa Heider, all of Joliet, Illinois. Two juveniles arrested include a 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old girl both from Illinois.
All five face charges of armed robbery with a deadly weapon and burglary to a dwelling while armed with a deadly weapon. Additional charges may be added. The investigation continues.

Investigators learned that the 17-year-old girl was a stepdaughter who had once lived at the home and knew about the safe. Detectives said they also learned one suspect wanted to fire on officers, but another suspect talked the subject out of firing.

94.1 WGFA