Police said a St. Petersburg man was caring for his infant son when he and another man tried to break into a home Monday.

Corey James Earl Mathews, 22, is facing charges of residential burglary, aggravated assault, child neglect and violation of probation.

According to St. Petersburg police, a man said that when he returned home to his residence in the 300 block of Ninth Avenue at 5:45 p.m., he found a man, later identified as Mathews, standing near the back of his home holding a baby in a car carrier.

Police said that when Mathews saw the homeowner approach, he yelled out to another man who was trying to get into the house through the back door. That suspect ran off, and Mathews, who was still carrying his 5-month-old son, walked away.

The homeowner called 911 while following Mathews down the alley, and at on point, Mathews put down the baby, pulled out a knife and walked toward the homeowner, threatening to kill him if he continued to follow him, police said.

Police said the homeowner backed away as Mathews left the area with the baby.

Officers later stopped Mathews, who was still holding his son, in the area of Joyce Terrace North and Fourth Street. They said the homeowner positively identified him and that he still had the knife used in the assault in his possession.

Mathews was taken into custody. Police said the second suspect has been tentatively identified but not yet charged.

Custody of the baby was turned over to Mathews' mother.

