Police Chief Brian Krueger said Friday afternoon that the victim of Thursday night’s armed home invasion was the same man robbed in early October by three men wielding a silver revolver.

“Upon further investigation, it was the same victim and same building,” Krueger said.

Thursday night, three masked black men, two of them armed with knives, forced their way into an Austin apartment in the 800 block of Fourth St. NW and reportedly stole three laptop computers.

The 30-year-old man who lives in the apartment told police there was a knock on the door and three black men forced their way inside. According to Krueger, the men told the victim and two others in the apartment, “Don’t move. Give us everything you’ve got.”

One of the suspects allegedly brandished a knife, which the victim described as a buck knife. The victim said another man was wielding a kitchen knife.

The third suspect reportedly gathered the stolen goods while his counterparts held the victim at knifepoint.

The victim gave the men his wallet, which contained an unknown amount of cash. The suspects also left with three laptop computers, including an HP 606 with a 17-inch screen and a Dell 5150 with a 15-inch screen. The brand and make of the third laptop is unknown, according to Krueger. The HP and Dell laptops have a combined value of $2,400.

On Monday, Oct. 3, a burglary was reported by the same victim. He told police three men, at least two of whom were described as black males, walked into his apartment demanding money. A silver revolver was used in that incident, according to police reports. The suspects got away with two cell phones and several hundred dollars. Police have not located those suspects.

Krueger said Friday morning he doesn’t know if the two invasions are related.

“At this time, I have no knowledge of that,” he said.

He also cautioned Austin residents, saying it’s always important to know who is on the other side of the door.

“Without knowing who’s behind the door, ask who’s out there before unlocking and opening the door,” Krueger said.

The report of Thursday night’s incident has been forwarded to detectives for investigation.

Suspect 1:
—Black male
—6′
—18-21 years old
—175 lbs.
—Wearing a gray sweatshirt and black pants with a black bandana covering his face

Suspect 2:
—Black male
—5’6″
—Younger, possibly a teenager
—130 lbs.
—Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, leather jacket and a yellow bandana covering his face

Suspect 3:
—Black male
—5’4″
—Younger, possibly a teenager
—Unknown weight
—Unknown clothing