LEWISTON – A suspect in an early-morning home invasion was arrested Thursday after police said they overheard him bragging about the crime.

Jason Scott Grizzard, 20, of 7 Howard St. was behind bars Thursday night on charges of robbery and burglary.

Investigators say Grizzard forced his way into a Winter Street home shortly after midnight, picked up a knife and then threatened a sleeping couple.

The man and woman were not seriously injured as the suspect waved the knife and demanded cash from them, police said. The couple turned over a small amount of money, and the suspect fled.

Police were called moments after the robbery. Officers just beginning the morning watch began searching for the suspect while others interviewed the victims.

Investigators said the man who was robbed was familiar with the suspect through a mutual acquaintance. Based on a description from the couple, police decided to locate Grizzard for questioning.

Shortly before 1 a.m., police officers Michael Gooldrup and Michael Dumond went to Grizzard’s home on Horton Street. Before knocking on the door though, they overheard two men speaking inside.

Investigators said Grizzard was boasting to a friend about robbing the couple on Winter Street. And he was still holding the knife used in the heist as he told the story, police said.

The two officers determined that Grizzard was about to leave his home, police said. They waited for him outside and arrested him without incident when he stepped outside.

“The officers did an incredible job,” said police Detective Marc Robitaille, who is following up the investigation. “They were very persistent.”

Grizzard remained at the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn Thursday night on $10,000 cash bail.