By Kelsey Durham
Bay Terrace lawmakers expressed shock and sadness this week after an elderly couple was injured in a violent home invasion that shook the normally quiet neighborhood.
The NYPD said two suspects, described only as Hispanic males, forced their way into a home near 212th Street and 15th Avenue in Bay Terrace around 2:30 p.m. April 23 by posing as maintenance workers.
The couple who live there, an 86-year-old man and his 85-year-old wife, were both assaulted by the men and were taken to New York Hospital Queens with serious bruises to the hands and face, police said.
Police were still trying to identify the suspects as this week and said they had not yet determined if anything was taken from the home.
After hearing of the incident last week, state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said he was “saddened and disturbed” by what he called a horrific crime and urged other residents in his district to be careful about who they open their doors for.
“Whether individuals pose as maintenance, Con Edison or city agency workers, we can never be too careful when a stranger rings our doorbell,” Avella said. “Call the authorities, your landlord or your management company to confirm their identity prior to opening the door. Personal vigilance is key to helping stop these incidents from occurring in the future.”
The victims were expected to recover from their injuries, and Avella said he was confident the 109th Precinct, which patrols the northern part of Bayside, will make arrests soon.
In the wake of the alleged attack, state Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) reminded his constituents to be vigilant about deception that could lead to crime and said he has also asked police to step up their presence.
“The brutal attack on the elderly couple in Bay Terrace was unconscionable and I am hopeful that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice,” he said. “In light of this crime, I reached out to the 109th Precinct and requested increased patrols in the Bay Terrace area.”
Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) also issued a statement.
“This is a strong reminder that we must remain ever vigilant in our communities as well as work with and support our Police Department and senior community to prevent this from happening again,” Vallone said.
The NYPD was asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Reach reporter Kelsey Durham at 718-260-4573 or by e-mail at kdurham@cnglocal.com.
