DNA IDs West Reading home invasion suspect nearly a decade later

WEST READING, Pa. -

DNA evidence has helped police identify a suspect nearly a decade after a violent home invasion.

Edwardo Santiago, also known as Eduardo, is now facing charges that include robbery, simple assault, theft, conspiracy, receiving stolen property and related charges.

"Someone was standing there and they maced me and all I could see was a big figure," said Frederick Korper, who spoke only to 69 News following the break in the case.

Korper, 78, survived the violent home invasion nearly nine years ago.

"I kept thinking about it every time I heard the word DNA," said Korper, who now lives in Reading.

Santiago, 44, of Reading, is locked up in the Berks County Jail.

According to police, Korper received a knock on his door in the 500 block of Franklin Street in West Reading in November 2005. Korper said when he asked who it was he was told, "It's the police." A woman burst inside and sprayed mace in Korper's eyes. He fought her off and managed to pull her to the ground and pulled out some of her hair.

"She kept macing me, and she said, 'Let go of my hair or I'm going to keep macing you,' and it got so bad I had to let go, but I had a clump of hair," said Korper.

As the struggle ensued, Korper told police he remembered hearing footsteps and then a man said, "Got the money," said police.

Go here to see the original:
DNA IDs West Reading home invasion suspect nearly a decade later