Trio on the run after $122K home invasion in East New York
A 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman answered a knock at their door just before 9:30 p.m. Friday near Vandalia and Fountain avenues in response to a woman claiming to represent a cleaning agency.
Police are asking for the public’s help after a frightening home invasion in East New York that investigators say started with a knock at the door and ended with more than $120,000 in stolen property.
The incident happened just after 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, inside a building near Vandalia and Fountain avenues.
Police say a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were inside their home when a woman knocked, claiming she was from a cleaning company. When the man opened the door, investigators say three people forced their way inside, all showing guns.
Once inside, police say the group went straight to a bedroom and took jewelry valued at about $118,000, along with a purse, wallets and credit cards. In total, investigators estimate about $122,000 in property was stolen.
Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Police say the three then ran off, heading south on Fountain Avenue toward Seaview Avenue.
Investigators have now released images of the people they are trying to identify.
Police describe one as a woman last seen wearing a black jacket, white T-shirt, black pants, a black hat and black sneakers. The second person is described as a man wearing a dark-colored jacket and dark-colored hat. The third is described as a man wearing a multicolored blue sweatshirt, dark pants and black sneakers.
A tenant who has lived in the building for four years said the incident has left neighbors shaken. The resident did not want to show their face on camera.
“Very frightening. It’s very frightening and I stay in my house and pray. That’s all I can do — stay in my house and pray, because there’s so much going on. You don’t know who you can talk to and who you cannot talk to. All you can do is just pray,” the tenant said.
Anyone who recognizes the individuals or has information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
