Violent New Jersey home invasion leaves 2 injured
LAKEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are investigating a violent home invasion at a retirement community that left a senior couple critically injured.
A 911 call came in around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday of a robbery in progress at a home on Eagle Ridge Circle in Lakewood.
Responding officers found Frederick Robison, 66, injured in the garage, and upon entering the home, discovered his wife Patricia, 64, also injured.
Investigators said the suspect entered their home in the Fairways gated retirement community through a garage window around 12:00 a.m. The couple confronted the intruder, who demanded money.
The suspect then used a flashlight to beat the husband and wife, and both sustained significant head injuries.
Investigators said the robber bound the husband and wife with duct tape. At least one of the items stolen was the couple's car, which was found about a mile away at the High Point condo complex.
The community is surrounded by easily passable decorative fencing. Only the main entrance has a guard.
"The place is gated," said Lakewood resident Peter Longo. "You have to use your pass or come through the front so they must have come in on foot."
There are security cameras and no trespassing signs mounted at various locations in the development.
The suspect is believed to have fled prior to the officers' arrival.
Both victims were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
They are listed in critical, but stable, condition.
Prosecutors hope to get more information about the suspect or suspects as the couple's recovery continues.
The investigation is active and ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
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