x
Breaking News
More () »

Home Invasion Burglary In Luzerne County

JUST IN: Police are investigating a reported burglary, possible home invasion on Francis Street in Wilkes-Barre Twp. pic.twitter.com/eFcywUMzCQ — Bill Wad...
Luz Burg 1

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP -- Police in Luzerne County were called to a burglary and possible home invasion near Wilkes-Barre.

Police say it happened on Francis Street in Wilkes-Barre Township just before 11 a.m. Monday.

At first, police thought it was a random home invasion. Now they believe the man who lived inside was targeted.

Investigators left an evidence marker near a hat outside of the home on Francis Street in Wilkes-Barre Township. At first, police thought it was left behind during a random home invasion.

"The intent was to burglarize and didn't realize there was somebody in the residence. He caught them down in the basement of the residence, that's when the struggle ensued," said Wilkes-Barre Township Police Sgt. Mark Hampton.

Sgt. Hampton says the man who lives in the home was hit in the face by two men who kicked in a door.

Nothing was taken.

Police now say they no longer believe this was a random crime.

The ordeal is upsetting to some neighbors.

"It's kind of nerve-racking because this has always been a wonderful small neighborhood; there's never been any issues, no drama, no crime."

A Salvation Army bell ringer tells us he saw police in this Kmart shopping plaza parking lot asking people questions. He and others say they are upset about this crime happening nearby while so many people are shopping for the holidays.

"It's just been so hectic. I don't know what to expect anymore because you have to be careful anymore with how these people are," said Bill Femea.

Femea says he was prepared to collect donations but he was not expecting to see police in this parking lot looking for two men who broke into a home just a block away.

Police would not say what new evidence they have that makes them believes the homeowner was targeted.

The two crooks are still on the run. Investigators are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity on Francis Street in Wilkes-Barre Township or near that shopping plaza just before 11a.m. Monday to give them a call.

Before You Leave, Check This Out