Victim hospitalised after attempted break-in at two east homes
During their escape, the assailants encountered another resident of the complex who was talking on his cellphone and a struggle ensued.
A victim was hospitalised after Equestria was shattered by gunfire and chaos early on Monday morning, April 15, when suspects attempted to break into two homes on Stellenberg Road.
The incident occurred around 04:20 at Bobby’s Place.
Acting police spokesperson Officer Duane Lightfoot said, “Armed suspects attacked an elderly man and his neighbour, leading to one victim being hospitalised”.
“The elderly resident was awakened by the sound of dogs barking. Upon investigating the noise, he observed a security guard patrolling the complex.
“Curious about the activity, he opened his sliding door and stepped into his garden to follow the guard. Three masked suspects, two armed with handguns, emerged from the darkness and one of the suspects was seen carrying a TV set they were attempting to steal.”
He said while one intruder threatened the elderly homeowner with a firearm, another rushed into the house, stealing a laptop and a cellphone from a table.
Desperate to get away, the elderly victim attempted to flee but tragically fell.
Lightfoot said one of the robbers fired a shot at the floor as a warning before fleeing the premises with the stolen goods.
He said the elderly man, though physically unscathed, was deeply shaken.
During their escape, the assailants encountered another resident of the complex who was talking on his cellphone.
“A struggle ensued over the device, and as the second victim tried to retreat to safety, shots were fired through his glass sliding door. Struck by a bullet in his left hip, he was rushed to a local hospital for treatment,” Lightfoot said.
“The unknown suspects fled the scene and unfortunately got away.”
Emergency services, including Brinant and Fidelity ADT security companies, responded promptly to the distress call.
Brinant was approached by Rekord, but could not provide any additional information.
Silverton detectives have been tasked with the investigation and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in apprehending the suspects.
Residents can contact Lightfoot at pdlightfoot.sapolice@gmail.com with any information that might assist in the investigation and help prevent future occurrences.
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