Home invasion
hits North
Ranch couple

Two men attacked an elderly couple and stole their car during a home invasion assault yesterday morning in the affluent community of North Ranch, according to a Thousand Oaks Police Department report.

A 63-year-old woman was gardening outside when one of the suspects grabbed her from behind and dragged her into the house. The suspects, both African-American males, tied up both the woman and her 76-year-old husband and beat them, police said. One of the assailants had a hand gun.

Paramedics treated the victims for cuts and bruises on their heads and faces. Neither was hospitalized.

The men stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry and cash from the home and fled in the couple’s 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The suspects are said to be in their mid-20s. One is and 5-11, 200 pounds; the other is 6-0 and 200-215 pounds. One of the men wore a ski mask over his face and the other a nylon stocking.

"I would never in my wildest dreams imagine something like this would happen next door to me," said Susie Secular, a resident of Long Shadow Court where the incident occurred.

"It’s scary," Secular said.

Police are offering a $1,000 reward for information. Call (805) 494-TALK.