(NECN: Kathryn Sotnik, Leicester, Mass.) - Police in Leicester, Mass. say a suspect has been nabbed in a violent home invasion where a Purple Heart was stolen.
Police say they caught 36-year-old Timothy Lavin at his friend's house in Millbury, Mass. on Wednesday.
Police allege Lavin and another man entered a home in Leicester at gunpoint back in January, bound and gagged three people, and stole valuables and the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart belonged to the father of the home invasion victim.
In a recent search of Lavin's home, police say they recovered some of the stolen jewelry, but not the Purple Heart.
Chief James Hurley of the Leicester Police Department says the recovery of the Purple Heart still remains a "high priority" for the police department based on the sentimental value it has for the family.
"It really tears at us, because the Purple Heart was given to a WWII veteran on the invasion of Iwo Jima. That military honor does not deserve to be out on the street, it deserves to be with the family," Chief Hurley said.
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Police are also searching for a second suspect who's described as a Hispanic or light skinned black male, about 5'7", heavy set, with dreadlocks, a full scruff beard and mustache. A $1,000 reward is being offered for his arrest and conviction.
Lavin is now charged with numerous offenses according to police including home invasion, breaking and entering daytime, larceny from a person 65+, possession of a large capacity firearm.
He's expected to be arraigned Thursday at East Brookfield District Court.
