Queens family held hostage by armed thieves in home invasion: NYPD

QUEENS (PIX11) — Investigators gathered evidence all day Saturday in the tranquil neighborhood of Douglaston in Queens after a family was woken up and attacked by three men who broke in through a window, police said.

Officers told PIX11 News a 911 call for help came in from a location in Queens, but it appeared as if the call was hung up. Officers called back, and a woman picked up the phone and whispered, “There are thieves in the house.”

When officers arrived, they looked through a window and saw family members on the floor with their hands up.

“I just woke up and came out, and I see the yellow (tape), and I was like, ‘What happened?’ I wasn’t expecting this to happen,” said Matthew, a neighborhood resident.

It happened at around 2 a.m. near Marathon Parkway and Cullman Avenue. Police said the perpetrators were carrying a gun and two hammers, one of which was used to hit a 43-year-old man in the foot. Eight people were inside the home during the home invasion, including a 1-year-old girl.

Once police officers arrived, they found a woman who managed to escape, holding a baby in her arms. Six other family members, including a 13-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, were still being held hostage. One of the suspects allegedly punched a 71-year-old woman in the face.

According to officials, the attackers grabbed an unknown amount of cash and left. The NYPD deployed drones, set up a perimeter around the house, and quickly found the suspects. The three men were taken into custody, and the money was recovered.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry used social media to recognize the work performed by police officers, stating it was “an exceptional response.”

“I wouldn’t think none of this would happen. This neighborhood is usually very peaceful. I was just kind of shocked,” said Matthew.

Early Saturday evening, police towed a white van with no license plates from the scene.

One of the alleged perpetrators is 34 years old, another is 39, and the third is 47. Charges were pending.

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