Family held at gunpoint during violent Belmont home invasion
The family says the suspects later returned and fired shots inside the home.
A Bronx family is counting its blessings after a terrifying home invasion in Belmont where four armed men allegedly forced their way into a home, held residents at gunpoint, and later returned to fire shots inside the apartment before fleeing with valuables.
According to police, the incident happened around 4 a.m. near Washington Avenue and East 185th Street.
Exclusive Ring camera video obtained by News 12 shows one suspect repeatedly kicking the front door while another appears to assist in forcing entry.
The woman who lives in the home, who asked not to be identified, said she, her husband and her nephew were asleep when they were awakened by loud banging. She said the men claimed they were police officers before rushing inside and ordering the family to lie face down on the floor.
The suspects allegedly demanded cash and ransacked the apartment when they could not find any money. The woman said the group searched multiple rooms before leaving.
The family said the suspects returned about five minutes later and fired two shots inside the home. The bullets tore through walls and narrowly missed the woman's husband, according to the family.
The suspects then stole cell phones, electronics, wallets, jewelry, designer handbags and other valuables before fleeing.
"We have to thank God that we're alive," the woman said. "I truly believe someone was watching over us."
Investigators say the suspects damaged a Ring camera, displayed a firearm, forced entry into the apartment, discharged a weapon and stole property before fleeing on foot.
No injuries were reported. The search continues for the four men responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline.
