2 wanted after home invasion in World Golf Village

63-year-old victim pistol-whipped; cash, purse, jewelry taken by 2 men

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A man was pistol-whipped and robbed in St. Johns County on Saturday night while his family watched in horror.

Now, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office deputies are hoping that a brown hoodie left behind during the home invasion robbery will help lead them to the two robbers.

Detectives said a 63-year-old man, who asked not to be identified, his wife and their 12-year-old son arrived at their home on Paradise Pond Road in the World Golf Village about 10 p.m. Saturday.

The homeowner said that when he got out of his car in the garage of his home, two men rushed into the garage and attacked him.

"They knocked on my windows with guns (and then) dragged me out of the car," the man said. "First they tried to push me into the house. And then when I convinced him there was nothing in the house -- that we had just moved there -- he dragged me out of the house and threw me on the ground and hit me in the head three times with the gun. And then went into the car."

The victim said the robbers told his wife and son, who were standing there terrified, that they were not going to hurt them, but they did grab his wife's purse, jewelry, and the money that she had and took off in a black Volkswagen.

The robbers were described as black men. One was about 6 feet tall, weighing 150 pounds and wearing a gray T-shirt and blue jeans. The other was described only as heavyset. Both were carrying handguns, and they left only the hoodie behind when they drove away.

Deputies believe that brown hoodie is an important clue and are asking people to take a close look.

"We would like to know if anybody has seen anybody in that hoodie," SJCSO spokesman Kevin Kelshaw said. "It has some paint splatters on it. It's brown. It's definitely distinguishable, so I'm hoping somebody might recognize that hoodie."

As deputies search for the two men involved, the victim and his family told News4Jax they are still worried about their safety.

St. Johns County detectives believe the men followed the family home from their Northside Jacksonville business and then attacked.

"We don't know if they followed us prior or if they had scoped out everything prior and were waiting for us (near) the house," the victim said.

All he knows is that a car was suddenly behind him in his driveway as he pulled into the garage.

That's what's troubling for his family and others in the neighborhood -- not knowing where the robbers came from.

Anyone with any information or the identity of these robbers is asked to contact Detective Gene Tolbert at the Sheriff's Office at 904-209-3985. You can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers at 888-277-TIPS. 


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.