Push-In Robbery Stuns Affluent N.J. Community
ALPINE, N.J. (CBS 2) -- Black Friday came to a violent end for a Bergen County woman.
A pair of robbers attacked her as she arrived home and left her tied up.
On Friday night they were both still at-large, but police said they have reason to believe that both suspects in the push-in robbery are now long gone, having fled in a car after terrorizing the woman in her upscale home.
There were flashing lights on one of the most affluent streets in Bergen County on Friday night.
Investigators and search dogs were at the home of a 47-year-old woman who returned from a long day of shopping and into the robbers' trap -- right in her own driveway.
"She returned home about 6 o'clock and was in process of unpacking her car. At one point she was confronted by an unknown individual who forced her back into her home. She was restrained there. The suspect took some personal property and then fled the home at that time," Alpine Police Chief Jerry Beckmann told CBS 2's Dave Carlin.
The robber wore a mask and gloves and police believe he had a partner in crime and a getaway car.
"She then was able to undo her restraints and dial 911," Chief Beckmann said. "The victim was of course traumatized by this whole event. Her husband had just returned home from being out of the area on business."
Police said it is not known why the woman was targeted or if she was followed home.
"That's terrible. It makes me nervous, very nervous that they could happen now," Park Ridge resident Breana Calabrese told Carlin.
Residents of Alpine and surrounding communities have been instructed to be on their guards and report anything that looks suspicious.
"That is scary. It happens all the time. You just have to look out and watch," resident Sally DeVito said.
Chief Beckmann urged all residents to be extra vigilant during the holiday shopping season so you don't end up a victim to senseless violence.
