Elderly N.J. Couple Robbed At Gunpoint, Bound In Senior Citizen Community Home

Two men posing as delivery company employees forced their way into a Berkeley home at gunpoint recently, ordered the elderly residents to give them valuables and then bound the homeowners, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

The residents were not injured in the incident, which happened at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 on Zeeland Drive in the Silver Ridge section of the township, she said.

The suspects were described as two white men who were wearing hooded shirts and gloves. They were not dressed in any type of uniform, the chief said.

The two then fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan. Berkeley detectives, Ocean County Sheriff's Department Crime Scene Units and the Toms River Police Department Tactical unit responded to the scene, DiMichele said.

The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as soon as it becomes available, the chief said.

"Residents are reminded that this time of year sees an increase in deliveries due to the holiday season," DiMichele said. "Most legitimate parcel delivery companies are in uniform and in an official vehicle as well as having some form of identification. Please be aware of this when expecting deliveries."

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Berkeley Township Police TIP line at 732-341-1132, ext. 611. Tips can remain anonymous.

Image: Patricia A. Miller