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Stabbing Victim Offers Thanks After Violent Home Invasion

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4)- It was a story an entire community wanted to hear-- how a man defended his family and helped police capture a suspect in a violent home invasion. Jesse Swift was overcome with emotion on Thursday night as he spoke publicly for the first time since he was brutally attacked at his home.

"From the police officers and city officials who have responded with true compassion, to our neighbors who helped us and supported us that night, to our colleagues who made sure our students were taken care of," said Jesse.

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Jesse and Jessica Swift (credit: CBS)

Jesse and his wife, Jessica, are both middle school teachers. They talked about their experience and the support they received at a community meeting in Golden on Thursday.

Police say three intruders hit the wrong house on May 16, putting the whole family in danger, and escaped in a getaway car driven by a fourth suspect. Those suspects have been identified as Caleb Williams, Julia Johnson, Cody Aaron Jones and an unidentified 17-year-old.

Jesse Swift, a teacher at Bell Middle School, suffered serious stab wounds while fighting off the suspects.

"We're taking it day-by-day but we know we're going to be okay. We're going to recover, we're going to trump through this," said Jessica.

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Caleb Williams (credit: Jefferson County)

Williams was hospitalized with stab wounds suffered in the attack when Jesse fought back. Both he and the juvenile were arrested the same night.

Johnson is accused of driving the getaway car. She was arrested four days after the stabbing.

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Julia Johnson (credit: Jefferson County)

Investigators canvassed the neighborhood and searched for the home the criminals were looking for. They say they may never know.

"We don't know if it was on that street, we don't know if it was in that block, in fact we don't even know if it was in the City of Golden," said Golden Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick.

Police continue to search for a fourth suspect, Jones, 20. He is currently on probation for second-degree burglary charges, obstructing a police officer and theft. Jones also has an active nationwide warrant for his arrest on another case.

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Cody Aaron Jones (credit: Golden Police)

Additional Resources

Jesse Swift Medical/Housing Fund by Joshua Murdock - GoFundMe | Meal Train For Swift Family

Additional Information From Golden Police

If you have any information about the at-large suspect, please call Det. Eric Jones at 303-215-8863.

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