North Hills NY
1-31-2024 2:53am

‘I kept screaming': Fake utility workers wanted for terrifying Long Island home invasion

In a chilling incident, three men clad as utility workers and wielding firearms forcibly entered a Long Island residence, sparking a terrifying robbery that has left local authorities on a manhunt. The targeted home, situated in North Hills, fell victim to the assailants after 11 a.m., as they cunningly posed as workers requiring access. Inside the house, a 69-year-old woman and her 35-year-old aide were present when the criminals struck. The aide cautiously cracked the door open in response to the supposed utility workers' request, only to face a menacing reality.

The victim, still reeling from the traumatic encounter, shared her experience, choosing to remain anonymous. She recounted the moment her aide opened the door slightly, questioning the intruders with a cautious "What do you want?" Her distressing narrative continued as the perpetrators responded by holding a gun to her aide's head, escalating the situation further. The intruders then proceeded to advance to her room, intensifying the fear and leaving the victims traumatized by the brazen invasion. As the police intensify their efforts to track down the suspects, the community is left uneasy in the aftermath of this disturbing home intrusion on Long Island.

Amid the terrifying home invasion, the 69-year-old woman, guided by her Christian faith, recounted her desperate plea for divine intervention. Expressing that the intruders claimed they didn't intend to harm her, she found solace in repeatedly invoking the name of Jesus. In the midst of the ordeal, she fervently cried out, "Jesus, help me! Jesus, help me!" A poignant moment of seeking comfort and protection through her faith during a harrowing encounter.

As the home invasion unfolded, the 35-year-old aide, quick on his feet, locked himself in a room and urgently sought help by screaming out the window. His desperate calls for assistance resonated with a vigilant neighbor, Qicheng Yang, who heard the repeated cries for help. Reacting promptly to the distressing situation, Yang recognized the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need to involve law enforcement. The neighbor's swift response highlights the crucial role community awareness plays in addressing emergencies and ensuring the safety of those in peril.

The Yang family, residing on Folie Court for a decade, acknowledged the traditionally safe environment but observed a shift in Nassau County over the past two years. Expressing concern over the changing dynamics, they noted an increase in bold criminal activities. The district attorney echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing need for residents to heighten their awareness in response to the evolving threat landscape. The call for increased vigilance underscores the importance of community awareness and cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by rising criminal boldness.

District Attorney Anne Donnelly advised residents to prioritize safety by adopting precautionary measures. In response to potential encounters with utility workers, she urged homeowners to make a quick call to the gas company for verification, asking, "Did you send someone to my house for a gas leak?" Additionally, Donnelly recommended installing a camera as a security measure to communicate with anyone at the door, providing an extra layer of protection against potential threats. These practical suggestions aim to empower residents in safeguarding their homes and ensuring authenticity in unexpected situations.

Fortunately, due to the courageous screams and the quick thinking of the victims, the three men fled the scene without taking anything. In light of this alarming incident, authorities are seeking the cooperation of the community. Anyone with information related to the home invasion is urged to come forward and contact the police, playing a crucial role in aiding the ongoing investigation and ensuring the safety of the neighborhood.

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