$15K reward offered in search for Northwest Indiana home invasion suspects
MUNSTER, Ind. (CBS)-- A $15,000 reward is being offered in the search for at least five suspects who robbed and attacked three people in a Munster, Indiana home.
Munster police said the armed home invasion was reported in a gated community in the 1400 block of Park West Circle around 11:20 a.m. on Oct. 27.
As CBS 2's Andrew Ramos reported Tuesday, police said the three residents of the home reported armed offenders broke into the house, bound and battered them, and stole money and other unspecified items.
Weeks later, the victim we spoke with is still very much traumatized by the home invasion. He said five masked men stormed his home, and tied up and beat him, his sister, and a family friend. They were held at gunpoint, he said.
There was also an infant in the home, who was left unharmed at the time. Investigators hope releasing the surveillance images will bring the attackers to justice.
"I mean, they were looking for a big amount, millions and millions," said the homeowner, "and I said, 'I don't know what you're talking about. Guys, there's no money.'"
Police said the offenders drove away in two cars around 1 p.m. that day.
The offenders, according to police, demanded cash and valuables, pistol-whipping the homeowner and brutally assaulting the other two adults.
"This was a targeted event that the people did," said Munster Police Department Chief Steve Scheckel. "They had done their homework, and they knew exactly how to defeat the security gate and come through. And they knew exactly where they were going in the house."
Two people of interest have been identified based on surveillance video. The vehicle that they used, also captured on surveillance, was later recovered in Chicago.
The homeowner, who wants to remain anonymous, is now offering a $15,000 reward to anyone who comes forward with information that will lead to an arrest and conviction in this case.
Anyone with information about this case, whether they recognize the suspects or the vehicles they used, you are being urged to contact the Munster Police Department at (219) 836-6658