UPDATE: Housekeeper Duct-Taped in Home Invasion

Police and Somerset County detectives are investigating a home invasion that occurred Friday morning in the usually-quiet neighborhood of Highmount Avenue, off Stirling Road.

According to Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffery D. Soriano, authorities responded to a 911 call from a Highmount Avenue residence at about 11:40 a.m. 

The incident had occurred at about 11 a.m., when the 28-year-old housekeeper, who was the only person inside the residence, answered a ring at the front door and was greeted by two black males with flowers they alleged were to be delivered to the homeowners, the prosecutor said.

They forced their way into the home, and bound the housekeeper with duct tape, and led her to the basement, the prosecutor said. The housekeeper was later able to free herself from the binding, and called 911, not knowing the two men had already fled the scene, the prosecutor said.

Before police arrived, the homeowner arrived and discovered the housekeeper in the basement, the prosecutor said. The housekeeper suffered minor bruises and did not require medical attention, according to the prosecutor.

Police and Somerset County Prosecutor's Office detectives are still investigating the incident, including trying to establish the motive for the invasion.

No confirmation of items taken from the property was provided, but according to a man on the scene who identified himself as the brother-in-law of the housekeeper, the intruders seemed well-prepared for the crime.

"They came prepared," he said. "They knew what they were after."

He said he believed the two men involved took a safe and left.

The Warren First Aid and Rescue Squad was called for assistance for the victim.

Neighbors expressed surprise at the incident, and shocked that such a brazen theft would occur.

"It's one thing if it happens when you're not home," said one neighbor. "But if it happens when you're home..."

Police and Soriano are asking anyone with any information about the incident—or if they saw any suspicious vehicles on or around Highmount Avenue—to contact either the department at 908-753-1000, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Major Crimes Squad at 908-231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line, 1-888-577-8477. Tips can also be provided online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net (click on either "Crime Stoppers" or "TIPS HOTLINE"). All calls are confidential.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the incident occurred at about 11:41 a.m. The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. and the 911 call was placed at about 11:41 a.m., the prosecutor's office said.