Man Shot, Woman Tied Up In St. Paul Home Invasion Robbery
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- St. Paul Police believe a Facebook post may have lead to a violent home invasion.
The incident happened Thursday morning on the 1100 block of Bradley Street in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood of St. Paul. Police say three suspects broke into the house armed with a gun.
Investigators were surveying the scene of the crime Thursday, after a home invasion left a man shot in the leg and his girlfriend tied up. The man who was shot is expected to be alright.
Police say the victims were staying overnight at a relative's house.
"These are terrifying and traumatic events to have happen," St. Paul Police spokesperson Steve Linders said. "Also concerning is that they found two young children in the house that were present during the robbery."
The children, however, were not harmed.
Linders says home invasions in the city are rare. Investigators think a social media post by the man that was shot may have played a role in this crime.
"Our investigators think it could be tied to a Facebook post that the victim made recently he had been on a successful trip to Las Vegas and posted about it," Linders said.
Security expert Mark Lanterman, who is not affiliated with this specific investigation, says it's a reminder that posting online about expensive belongings or cash can get you in trouble, but also if you share you're leaving town or on vacation.
"It's very important to be very careful about in the details you share on social media," Lanterman said. "Burglars know hey you're out of town now you're an easy target so think before you post."
The suspects got away in two stolen vehicles. But it's unclear at this time if they took anything else from the home.
The crime is still under investigation.