Authorities: Man Breaks Into Collingswood Home, Attacks 2 People Before Setting House On Fire
COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (CBS) -- Authorities in Camden County are on the hunt for a man they say broke into a home and attacked two people before setting the house on fire. The incident happened shortly before 2:30 p.m. Sunday at a home on the 200 block of Crestmont Terrace.
The Camden County Prosecutor's Office says the suspect attacked one person inside the home and tied up another victim, demanding money.
Investigators say the man set the house on fire when he left.
According to authorities, the suspect was described as a thin man with dark skin, a short beard and dark hair. He was wearing a yellow winter hat with a yellow and black zip-up sweatshirt, officials say.
Officials say firefighters responded to the scene for a report of a fire. They quickly put it out but found one victim suffering from injuries unrelated to the blaze.
Neighbors who spoke with CBS3 say they're anxious as a heavy police presence was in the area investigating.
"It's scary. Being a single female, I'm living alone. To hear this news, it kind of shakes my nerves a little bit," neighbor Erica Green said. "I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight."
It's not clear if the suspect made off -- if anything -- but officials say the victims are trying to recover.
"I'm hoping that they be OK and I'm hoping their house won't get destroyed. I'm going to pray for them," a woman said.
Authorities are asking anyone with any relevant information about the incident to contact police at 609-868-0266.
CBS3's Matt Petrillo contributed to this report.
