Armed robbers targeting Asian families in Tacoma
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TACOMA, Wash. -- Police are looking for armed robbers who have been targeting Asian families in the area.
On seven different occasions since December, the robbers have targeted the homes of seven different families.
Among the victims are the Fernandez family. Armed men barged into their home and tied them up.
"I heard a big crash on my sliding door in the back, and when I looked, it was guns pointed at me," said Remegio Fernandez.
The thieves spent several hours ransacking the house before taking off with laptops, jewelry and $5,000 in cash.
"Sometimes they asked where things are, sometimes they just ransacked the house," said Norma Fernandez.
All seven robberies occurred East Tacoma between South Hosner and McKinley Avenue, and between South 96th and South 64th.
Aside from the proximity of the homes, investigators have not found any connection between the victims. However, they believe the incidents are related.
"Most of the victims are Asian," said Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum. "They are usually middle-aged to elderly, and they all have individual residence."
The most recent incident occurred on Friday when thieves tied up a family of four, including an 8-year-old child.
No one has been seriously hurt in the incidents, but investigators worry that may change.
"Somebody could fight back; something could change. And we're just hoping we can take care of this before anyone else gets hurt," said Fulghum.
According to police, two men wearing black clothing and covering their faces with blue bandanas barged into homes. Armed with handguns, they tied up the victims as they communicated with a woman via walkie-talkies. They then proceeded to ransack the houses, eventually taking valuables with them.
Since the attack, the Fernandez family installed a security alarm and put up bars on all windows. And while they don't like feeling like prisoners in their own home, they say it's the only way they know they are safe.
"I walk around with a gun in my belt now, inside my house," said Remegio Fernandez.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. They urge anyone with information on the case to contact them immediately.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Tipsters are asked to call 253-591-5959.
On seven different occasions since December, the robbers have targeted the homes of seven different families.
Among the victims are the Fernandez family. Armed men barged into their home and tied them up.
"I heard a big crash on my sliding door in the back, and when I looked, it was guns pointed at me," said Remegio Fernandez.
The thieves spent several hours ransacking the house before taking off with laptops, jewelry and $5,000 in cash.
"Sometimes they asked where things are, sometimes they just ransacked the house," said Norma Fernandez.
All seven robberies occurred East Tacoma between South Hosner and McKinley Avenue, and between South 96th and South 64th.
Aside from the proximity of the homes, investigators have not found any connection between the victims. However, they believe the incidents are related.
"Most of the victims are Asian," said Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum. "They are usually middle-aged to elderly, and they all have individual residence."
The most recent incident occurred on Friday when thieves tied up a family of four, including an 8-year-old child.
No one has been seriously hurt in the incidents, but investigators worry that may change.
"Somebody could fight back; something could change. And we're just hoping we can take care of this before anyone else gets hurt," said Fulghum.
According to police, two men wearing black clothing and covering their faces with blue bandanas barged into homes. Armed with handguns, they tied up the victims as they communicated with a woman via walkie-talkies. They then proceeded to ransack the houses, eventually taking valuables with them.
Since the attack, the Fernandez family installed a security alarm and put up bars on all windows. And while they don't like feeling like prisoners in their own home, they say it's the only way they know they are safe.
"I walk around with a gun in my belt now, inside my house," said Remegio Fernandez.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. They urge anyone with information on the case to contact them immediately.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Tipsters are asked to call 253-591-5959.
I sincerely hope the next house these POS choose to break into get served a double portion of lead. Thieves are the parasites of society and should be treated just like the disease they are!