Officials: Woman, men who posed as cops arrested in DeLand home invasion

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County deputies said they have arrested three people in connection with an armed home invasion where a DeLand couple was tied up and robbed.

The home invasion happened in late May at a home on Lake Mamie Road, deputies said.

According to investigators, Howard Overturf Jr. and Michael Umont posed as law enforcement officers and claimed they were looking for a wanted person when they knocked on the victims' door.

"It's sad that people can't live free anymore and they have to be worried about somebody breaking in, especially the ones that say they're cops," neighbor Theron Padgett said.

When the elderly homeowner and his wife opened the door, Overturf and Umont, who deputies said were armed with an assault rifle, allegedly tied up the couple.

Padgett said she remembers the night of the home invasion.

"I seen a blinking light and a truck, a big truck, in front of the driveway. But I think nothing, I didn't see nothing out of the, you know," Padgett said.

According to arrest documents, the men stole cash and jewelry from the victims.

Deputies got a break in the case when an employee at a Daytona Beach surplus store reported the sale of a lot of law enforcement-style tactical gear. Surveillance video at the store captured Overturf, Umont and Umont's girlfriend, Melissa Stolfi, buying the items, deputies said.

According to detectives, Stolfi admitted to knowing about the robbery plans while being questioned.

Additionally, deputies said they received a Crimestoppers tip identifying one of the suspects.

"Hopefully these people that did get caught, they'll get prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Padgett said.

Channel 9 has learned the victims have since left the area, fearing for their safety.

Overturf, Umont and Stolfi were booked into the Volusia County Jail. Deputies said the men are being held without bail.

WFTV