Dorchester man repels home invader

By Sarah N. Mattero, Globe Correspondent

A Revere man was arraigned today on charges that he forcefully entered a man’s Dorchester apartment early today and assaulted him, Suffolk County prosecutors said.

Erick Lopez, 25, is facing charges of home invasion and assault and battery. Bail was set at $500 cash and he was ordered to remain drug- and alcohol-free while the case is pending. He is slated to return to court Jan. 18.

Around 12:30 a.m., the victim heard knocking on the door of an apartment on a lower floor of the Harvest Terrace building. The victim opened his door to inquire, when Lopez, with a black jacket covering his head, pushed inside and charged at the victim, Boston police said.

A struggle ensued in the apartment, but the victim managed to gain control of Lopez and force him back into the hallway, police said. Lopez fell down a flight of stairs and fled on foot.

Police caught Lopez a few blocks from the apartment attempting to climb a chain-link fence, police said.