WARREN - Detectives tracked down two men on Monday they believe posed as prospective buyers Sunday of a Central Parkway S.E. home, then attacked the homeowner in his basement, choked him until he lost consciousness and stole his truck.
Police arrested Ritchie L. Paden, 30, of Fairlawn Heights Drive S.E., and Jermaine C. Johnson, 35, of Randolph Street N.W., on suspicion of aggravated burglary about noon Monday after a detective spotted the two in the 1400 block of Burton Street S.E. in the vehicle that was reported stolen.
Paden also was arrested on receiving stolen property.
Reports said officers stopped the light blue 1998 Toyota 4Runner at the intersection of Main Avenue and Fulton Street S.W. and apprehended both subjects, who were then booked at the Trumbull County Jail.
Charges likely will be filed today, police said.
Nicholas C. Bohurjak, 63, of the 2000 block of Central Parkway S.E., told police two men knocked on his door about 6 p.m. Sunday and told Bohurjak they were interested in buying his home. A "for sale" sign is posted in the yard.
Bohurjak told police he showed Johnson the living room while Paden went in his basement. Bohurjak said he was uncomfortable with him being alone in his basement so he and Johnson followed.
When all three were downstairs, the two men attacked him and forced him to the ground, reports said.
Reports said Paden held him down while Johnson choked him until he lost consciousness.
Bohurjak told police he woke up "very confused and thought he had a bad nightmare," reports said. He also said his throat was sore, and that he felt like "he was coming back from the dead."
Bohurjak said he went upstairs and passed out in his bed. He again woke up confused and told police he then noticed someone had moved his washing machine from his basement to his upstairs side door.
He also noticed someone had taken the keys to his light blue 4Runner from the counter.
When officers arrived at Bohurjak's home he was disoriented and vomiting with bruising on both sides of his neck, reports said.
Paden is currently facing third-degree felony burglary charges in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. He was indicted by a grand jury Feb. 14. A pretrial hearing is scheduled in that case for Aug. 16, records show.
Paden also has been convicted of criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Johnson was convicted of aggravated trespassing in 2011, a charge amended from burglary, and was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
He was sentenced to one year in jail in 1999 after pleading guilty to possessing drugs and attempted criminal tools possession.