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‘Somebody’s in our house’: Denver dad pushes intruder away from sleeping children; suspect arrested

07:40 AM, 11/30/2025
‘Somebody’s in our house’: Denver dad pushes intruder away from sleeping children; suspect arrested

Denver parents woke at 3:30 a.m. to an intruder walking toward their children’s bedrooms. Father Kevin Root confronted the man and pushed him down the stairs; police arrested 36-year-old Charley Cooley shortly after. Cooley faces a felony second-degree robbery charge and had a recent prior arrest but was released. The family is relieved no one was hurt but says they are struggling with sleep and a loss of safety. Neighbors and police urge vigilance and preventive measures.

Denver parents say they woke to every parent's worst nightmare when a stranger walked toward their children's bedrooms in the middle of the night.

Kevin and Sarah Root say the break-in occurred at about 3:30 a.m. in their southwest Denver home. "We heard the footsteps coming up the stairs to where our room is," Kevin recalled. "We looked at each other and said, 'Somebody's in our house.' You realize you're not dreaming — this is real."

Sarah immediately called 911 while Kevin checked the hallway. He said he shouted for the intruder to leave, but the man continued toward the upstairs bedrooms where their four sons were sleeping.

"When he paused at the top of the stairs, I whipped open the door, jumped out and pushed him as hard as I could down the stairs," Kevin said. Police arrived minutes later and detained the suspect. No one in the family was physically injured.

Records identify the suspect as 36-year-old Charley Cooley, who faces a felony second-degree robbery charge. Court records show Cooley had been arrested on another felony robbery charge in September and was released days later after bond was set at $5,000 property/surety or $500 cash; records indicate $500 cash was posted on Nov. 11.

The Roots say the emotional impact has been significant. "It’s been a process. My sleep has been pretty difficult, and I still replay the moment when I look at our bedroom door," Sarah said. "It feels like a loss — the loss of feeling safe in our home."

Kevin said he is trying to focus on gratitude despite the fear and frustration. "I hope he's able to get the help he needs," he said. "I don’t think he wants to be doing this with his life. Maybe this is a rock-bottom moment for him." The couple added they were thankful no one — including the intruder — was physically harmed.

Neighbors said the break-in has shaken the block. Local police urged residents to lock doors and windows, install exterior lighting, and report suspicious activity immediately. The Denver District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the pending case, noting it has not reached a final disposition.

Safety tips: ensure doors and windows are locked at night, use exterior lighting and motion sensors, keep a charged phone near your bed, and call emergency services immediately if you suspect an intruder.

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