11:53 a.m., Feb. 18, 2011----Newark Police have charged four persons in connection with a drug-related home invasion style armed robbery that occurred at an apartment in the 500 building of the University Courtyard Apartments at approximately 7:55 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15.

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In the incident, a man answered a knock at the door and was confronted by three masked men, one armed with a baseball bat and another armed with a handgun. The man was struck with the bat and a struggle ensued with two of the suspects, while the third suspect held five other occupants of the apartment at gunpoint.

The suspects demanded cash and a safe from the man who answered the door. During the struggle, the victim removed the mask of one of the suspects and identified him as an acquaintance.

During a subsequent police investigation, detectives identified all three suspects, along with a fourth juvenile suspect who acted as the getaway vehicle driver. Investigators also recovered the weapons used in the robbery along with the stolen safe.

The man struck by the baseball bat was taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital where he was treated for a broken orbital socket.

According to police, the investigation has confirmed that illegal drug activity was conducted at the residence, and police believe the suspects were searching for drugs and/or drug proceeds.

Police say this incident is not related to the Feb. 9 home invasion on Kershaw Street.

All four defendants were charged with first degree robbery, first degree assault, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated menacing, wearing a disguise during commission of a felony and second degree conspiracy.

Charged were James Elliot, 19, of Bent Lane; James Zinkowski-Wheatley, 18, of Scholar Drive; Joseph Murach, 22, of Scholar Drive; and a juvenile, 17, of Timber Creek Lane.

Elliot, Zimkowski-Wheatley and Murach were each committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution on $112,000 cash bail; and the juvenile was committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $68,000 bail.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Greg Delia at (302) 366-7110, ext. 132, or by email at [greg.delia@cj.state.de.us]. Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD with the mssage to TIP411. Information also can be provided anonymously to Crime Stopers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or [www.tipsubmit.com] where a reward may be available.