Police are searching for three men accused of following a 63-year-old man into his apartment in Mott Haven, tying him up with zip ties, pistol-whipping him and robbing him.
Angelique Shannon, who lives in the NYCHA building on East 143rd Street where the home invasion happened, said the violence is especially upsetting as the holidays approach.
“That’s so sad,” she said. "This is the holidays, come on now. All of this killing and robbing and stealing from people it has to stop.”
Police say the attack happened around 6 a.m. on Nov. 17, and released surveillance video that shows the suspects shopping and using the victim’s stolen credit cards shortly afterward.
“You can’t do nothing without feeling like danger is knocking at your door at any time," Shannon said.
According to police, the thieves stole the victim’s jewelry, cellphone, credit cards and cash. He was taken to Lincoln Hospital, but a friend told News 12 he is now recovering at home.
Neighbors say the NYPD needs to step up patrols and protection.
"It's awful and I’ve been hearing a lot of stories about elderly people being attacked, and there’s no one to turn to," said neighbor, Shirlene.
“The only thing I’m surprised [is] the people put in charge are not doing anything," White said. "Take time to listen and maybe you might make your job a little easier catching people.”
Police are urging anyone who recognizes the suspects to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.