Howell Man Robbed At Gunpoint During Home Invasion: Police

HOWELL, NJ — A pair of armed robbers forced their way into a Howell home and robbed a man early Wednesday morning, and police believe either the victim or the home was specifically targeted.

The 27-year-old victim called 911 about 2:30 a.m. to report the robbery, which happened on Sequoia Court in the Pointe O Woods development, Sgt. John Lopez said.

As the victim attempted to defend himself, he was assaulted by one of the suspects, who was encouraged by the other suspect to shoot the victim, Lopez said, but no shots were fired. The two robbers then ransacked the residence in an apparent attempt to look for specific items they had knowledge may have been there. They stole a Gucci handbag and fled in a grey/silver SUV, he said.

The victim sustained a minor injury.

One man was described as a white male believed to be in his early 20s, about 5-foot-11 with a thin build, and wearing a black ski mask. The second was described as a light-skinned Hispanic male, about 5-foot-8 and 195 to 200 pounds with "big lips, bushy eyebrows," and wearing an orange wool ski mask with one hole exposing the center of his face. One was armed with a handgun with a flashlight and a laser mounted to it.

Lopez said evidence retrieved from inside the residence leads police to believe the home invasion is an isolated incident specific to the home and/or person.

"We do not believe this was a random act," he said.

Anybody with information is encouraged to contact the Howell Police Department at 732-938-4111. You can use Facebook Messenger or the department's anonymous tip service, www.p3tips.com. All information is kept confidential.

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Photo via Howell Township Police