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Three Home Invasion Suspects Arrested, Five Remain at Large

Bay City News
Wednesday March 18, 2009 - 06:18:00 PM

Berkeley police have arrested three suspects in connection with a brutal home invasion robbery two weeks ago but five suspects remain at large. 

Police spokesman Andrew Frankel said the suspects are believed to be responsible for the incident in the 600 block of Santa Barbara Road Feb. 24 in which two victims were bound, pistol-whipped and carved on with kitchen knives. 

The victims were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released, he said. 

Berkeley detectives served search warrants at four locations in San Pablo and Richmond early Wednesday morning, Frankel said. 

Information gathered during the warrants led to the execution of a fifth search warrant in Fairfield about 5 p.m. Wednesday that was conducted by that city’s SWAT team, according to Frankel. 

Frankel said a break in the case occurred when a patrol sergeant from the El Cerrito Police Department stopped a car driven by one of the suspects. 

The sergeant recognized the car and driver from a flier El Cerrito police received from Berkeley police last week, Frankel said. 

The flier included photos of the suspects using stolen credit cards and a description of their vehicle. 

The people who have been arrested are Buk Khansuwong, a 46-year-old Richmond man, Tien Vo, a 29-year-old San Pablo woman, and a 16-year-old boy from Richmond. 

Frankel said one suspect was arrested Monday and two suspects were arrested Wednesday. 

Five suspects are still at large: Vern Town Saelee, 21, of Fairfield, Vern Sio Saelee, 18, of Fairfield, Anthony Ray Douglas, 18, of Richmond, Chiew Chian Saeturn of Fairfield, and a 16-year-old juvenile from Richmond. 

Frankel said the suspects still at large should be considered “armed and highly dangerous.” 

He declined to comment about why the suspects targeted the victims in the incident. 

Bay Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. 

Frankel said people who know the whereabouts of the suspects should call Berkeley’s robbery detail at 981-5742. 

People who want to remain anonymous may call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at  

(800) 222-TIPS.