By Anthony Rifilato
Police at the First Precinct are not releasing the 14-year-old's name and address for safety reasons, but said that an investigation is still ongoing.
According to Det. Sgt. John DeMartinis, three men approached the teen on his stoop at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26. DeMartinis said the men were wearing bandannas and one was carrying a duffel bag. The man pulled a rifle from the bag and forced the boy inside, where the group then taped his hands with duct tape. The men made the teen, who was home alone, lie face down in a bedroom.
The men demanded to know where the jewelry was as they searched the house. It is unclear if anything was taken, said DeMartinis.
After they fled, the teen called 911 after he freed himself. He was unharmed, said police.
After the incident, police helicopters buzzed over the neighborhood, looking for the suspects.
"It appeared they fled through the rear yard," DeMartinis said. Police canvassed the area after they set up a perimeter and contacted the aviation bureau, which sent a helicopter to patrol the area.
"We don't know if the house was a target or not," said DeMartinis, who said police are working on a sketch of the men.
The incident sent shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood, and many residents in the area were astonished by the incident.
"I heard the helicopters and a lot of police cars," said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. The resident lives on Southard Street, off of Park Avenue and said he saw the helicopters in the area for about twenty minutes. "I've been living here for twenty years. It's the first time something like this has happened," he said.
Other residents also expressed alarmed.
"I'm concerned. I have kids who play in the neighborhood," said a Park Avenue resident who also refused to give his name.
For now, the DeMartinis said they will release a sketch of the three men shortly, and will distribute them to the press and the community.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 1-800-244-TIPS.
