Police: Search Continues For Suspects Who Allegedly Dressed As Utility Workers In Home Invasion
By Jim Melwert, Dray Clark
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Police are looking for three suspects in a home invasion, who allegedly imitated utility workers to gain access to a home in North Philadelphia.
When a 67-year-old man answered the door to his home along the 400 block of West Sedgley Street Thursday afternoon, police say three suspects, dressed as utility workers, pushed their way in and tied the man up in the living room of the home. They then went upstairs, where they found a woman in her 50's, and allegedly tied her up and then beat and pistol-whipped her.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says if you're not expecting a worker to come to your home, don't open the door to anyone.
"They should have I.D., you should be able to call the utility company to find out if they're dispatched someone to that location to complete some work," Ramsey says. "I mean, you just need to know. Just don't assume that because a person is in a uniform that they're legitimate."
And Commissioner Ramsey says if there's any doubt at all, call 911 and they'll check it out.
The woman had to be taken to a hospital for her injury. She is recovering.
The house had surveillance cameras, but police say the three men grabbed the hard drive that had the video. They believe they also stole $350 and two cell phones.
Neighbors say the man sold used cars out of his home, which may have been why he was targeted.
