Former N.C. State basketball player wanted in home invasion

Gavin Troy Grant, 25, is charged with first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, police said.

Police are trying to locate Grant.

The charges stem from a home invasion on Crossroads Arbor Way on Sept. 24. Police said two men forced their way into an apartment, assaulted two people who were inside and attempted to rob them. The victims fought off the suspects, who fled before completing the robbery.

Police are trying to identify the second suspect.

One of the victims in the robbery, Domonique Andrew Rodgers, 23, was arrested early the next morning on drug charges. Police said he suffered wounds to his head during the attack.

Anyone with information about Grant's whereabouts or the home invasion should contact Raleigh Crime Stoppers at 919-834-4357. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve cases.

Grant was a forward/guard for N.C. State from 2004 to 2007. He played for the Utah Flash in the NBA Development League from 2007 to 2010.

Grant's former teammate Will Roach said he saw him on campus a few months ago, and didn't notice any signs of trouble.

"He seemed great, very positive. It was (high) fives and hugs," Roach said.

Former teammate Julius Hodge grew up with Grant in New York.

"It hurts my heart. I knew Gavin since he was really young and you really never wish an event like this to happen," Hodge said.

Hodge said he hopes for the best for his former teammate, and believes there is a lesson in this for all young players.

"You just don't want to take away your chance, your opportunity," he said.

Grant was charged with a felony count of obtaining property by false pretenses in January 2009.

Five years ago, Grant, who was born in Jamaica, was in danger of being deported for being in the United States illegally.

Grant moved to New York when he was 9 years old and did not have valid paperwork to be in the country. Immigration officials began removal proceedings in October 2005.

They were eventually closed, and Grant was allowed to proceed with an application for permanent resident status.