Three men pistol-whipped a 65-year-old woman in a home-invasion robbery that has shaken residents in the Riverside County city of Perris, California.
The incident happened Sunday at 10:30 p.m. when the men first knocked on the door, then busted it open when she refused to answer, deputies said. They beat the woman with a pistol and tied her up as they searched for jewelry and money.
"I think that it's sick that they would do that," said Kristin Rodko.
The woman is out of the hospital and recovering from cuts and bruises to her head. She declined to be interviewed.
"People are talking about running out and buying guns and taking lessons on how to use them," said Ellen Brasee, a resident.
Volunteer deputies patrolled the neighborhood Tuesday to help quell community concerns.
Neighbors say this is the second time someone has targeted the victim.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
The first crime was a burglary.
"It's a powerful reminder that if someone comes knocking at your door and it's strange, call 911," said resident Elvia Thompson.
Residents started a neighborhood watch group within the last few months, after several homes were burglarized.
Ellen Brasee said the group has talked about keeping cellphones at their bed sides, "so we can respond quickly."
