Smith Township home invasion leaves two men seriously injured
Two men were attacked with crowbars by intruders during a home invasion early Thursday and left tied up at their residence in the village of Joffre in Smith Township.
Township police Officer Larry Bonazza said one of the residents answered the doorbell at the Harris Street home about 2 a.m. When he opened the door, Bonazza said the victim was met by one of three intruders, who forced his way into the residence and hit the Joffre man with a crowbar. Two of the intruders had crowbars. The second resident, who was in an upstairs bedroom, heard the commotion and came downstairs. He was then struck in the head with a crowbar.
One of the attackers reportedly threatened to cut off the fingers of one of the victims if he did not tell them where to find guns and money.
Police Chief Bernie LaRue said a large amount of cash and two guns were stolen from the home. One of the victims was able to free himself and called 911 about 2:30 a.m.
The two victims, one in his 40s and the other in his 50s, were taken to a hospital for treatment. One was taken by ambulance to Weirton (W.Va.) Medical Center, and the other went by private vehicle to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
LaRue said the lights were not on inside the house, and the two men were not able to provide police with a description of the assailants. Police are checking with neighbors to see if anyone had surveillance cameras or if they saw or heard anything. Police also collected evidence that will be analyzed at the state police crime laboratory.
Anyone with information is asked to call township police at 724-947-5069.