Fourth suspect indicted in Douglaston home invasion and kidnapping case

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QUEENS, NY — A fourth individual has been charged in connection with a violent home invasion in Douglaston in August in which a family was held hostage at gunpoint. Oneil Thompson, 45, of Cambria Heights, was indicted on multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery and burglary, for his alleged role as the getaway driver, according to the Queens district attorney’s office.

Thompson was arraigned before Superior Court Judge Michael Yavinsky on a 41-count indictment that included seven counts of second-degree kidnapping, six counts of first-degree burglary, three counts of first-degree robbery and several counts. criminal possession of a weapon. Thompson was remanded in custody and ordered to return to court on November 20. If convicted on the maximum count, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, three other suspects, Jone Smith and brothers Ryan and Brandon Dash, were previously charged last month for allegedly breaking into the home on 247th Street in the early morning of August 17, 2024. The trio- ul, armed with a gun, a hammer and a crowbar, held up the residents and stole more than $20,000 in cash.

“As alleged, this defendant knowingly and willingly participated in a deeply alarming home invasion that resulted in a family being held hostage with a loaded handgun and two other weapons,” District Attorney Katz said. She praised a young mother who escaped with her child through a bathroom window and alerted the police.

Investigators said surveillance footage captured Thompson arriving at the scene in a large white van, in which he later fled after the robbery. A subsequent search warrant revealed the van was registered to Thompson, and cell records placed him at the crime scene during the incident. Thompson was arrested on October 24 at the 111th Precinct by Detective Savvas Tjortjoglou.

During the incident, the three masked men allegedly entered the home around 2:15 a.m. and woke up two adults at gunpoint. Responding officers rescued four adult hostages and two children after the mother escaped and apprehended the three suspects following a manhunt.

Two of the hostages were treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the home invasion. The stolen money and a loaded firearm were recovered at the scene.