A robber tied up an 84-year-old woman with belts during a home invasion in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia Monday afternoon.
The suspect broke into a home on the 700 block of S. Front Street at 1:59 p.m. He then approached the elderly homeowner from behind, placed his hand over her mouth and tied her up with belts inside her basement. Police say the suspect’s motive was robbery though they are unsure whether he stole any cash or items. The suspect eventually fled through an alley.
The woman managed to untie herself. Tommy Morgan told NBC10 he was walking down the sidewalk when he saw the woman running out of her home and screaming for help, prompting him to call 911.
“Her arms were red and she was screaming, indicating that someone was in her home trying to get money from her,” Morgan said.
The woman was not seriously injured during the incident. Police say she wasn’t sure how the man got in but investigators believe he either entered through a backdoor or window.
Residents told NBC10 Queen Village is a safe neighborhood and they were shocked and baffled by the crime. Police say the incident is especially alarming because it occurred in the middle of the day.
Police have not yet released a detailed description of the suspect but say he is a thin, white male approximately 30 years of age who was wearing dark pants. If you have any information on the incident, please call Philadelphia Police.
