Queens family held hostage by armed thieves in invasion: NYPD

QUEENS (PIX11)—Officers tell 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.

In the tranquil neighborhood of Douglaston in Queens, investigators gathered evidence all day Saturday. This came after police say a family was aggressively woken up and attacked by three men who broke in through a window.

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

It happened at around 2 in the morning in the vicinity of Marathon Parkway and Cullman Avenue.   Police say 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 violent invasion, including a 1-year-old girl.

“It’s terrifying to learn what happened last night, but I say the neighborhood is quiet and peaceful,” said another resident.

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. Neighbors are stunned to hear this.

“I’ve been here for a while, I can’t remember how long, but to learn that happened in the neighborhood is very shocking,” he added.

According to officials, The attackers grabbed an unknown amount of cash and left. The NYPD deployed drones and 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,’ stated Matthew.

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

One of the alleged perpetrators is 34 years old, another is 39, and the third is 47. Charges are pending as the investigation remains ongoing.

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