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Police: Suspect Ties Up 84-Year-Old Woman With Belts In Basement During Home Invasion

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police say an elderly woman was tied up during a home invasion on Monday afternoon in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.

It happened around 2 p.m. at a home in the 700 block of South Front Street.

Police say a man entered the home of an 84-year-old woman, brought her to the basement, tied her up with belts, stole money, and then fled through an alleyway.

The woman was eventually able to untie herself and call police.

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The incident left neighbors stunned and concerned.

"It's really safe around here, it's really quiet. I never would have expected something to happen especially in the middle of the day when someone was home, that's the most shocking part of it," said neighbor Victoria Gray. "It's very extreme, very tragic."

Close friend Janet Cardonick said the woman's name is Valerie and she was home alone on the phone with her daughter when a man covered her mouth.

"He had her tied up in the basement and she untied herself and went up and yelled fire," said Cardonick. "The woman's a genius. She's one of my best friends. I've always admired her."

Authorities won't say how the man got inside.

Police describe the suspect as a white male, approximately 30 years old, with a thin build and wearing dark pants.

The victim was not injured.

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