Disabled Vet Beaten, Robbed During Home Invasion In Northeast Philadelphia
By Steve Beck, Al Novack, Jenn Bernstein
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police are searching for several suspects who beat and robbed a disabled war veteran inside his Northeast Philadelphia home early Monday morning.
The incident happened shortly after midnight inside a residence in the 9400 block of Ashton Road.
According to investigators, 58-year-old Larry Brown says he heard a knock on his door and buzzed them in to his home. Brown thought it was a neighbor who normally checks on him.
"It took me by surprise, I didn't expect nothing like that," said Brown, "[They] pinned me on the bed, got on top, and put a gun to my throat and all that," said Brown.
The suspects, who covered their faces, also beat Brown, punching him in the chest several times.
The suspects then ransacked the victim's home and took $200 in cash, a flat-screen TV, some jewelry and the victim's medication.
Brown uses nurse care seven days a week and says he remains distraught that someone would do this to him.
"[It's] terrible, very terrible," said Brown.
Detectives spent the early morning hours Monday processing the home, in hopes of collecting important evidence.
"Northeast Detectives are on the scene dusting the scene for fingerprints and also looking for neighbors that could be potential witnesses," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.
Police and Brown believe he may have been targeted since his wheelchair ramp is visible outside of his home.
Brown, who is bedridden as a result of his disability, suffered minor injuries.
So far, no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
