PIEDMONT — Two men are being sought by police after they invaded a home early Tuesday where they awakened a sleeping woman and assaulted her when she could not comply with their demands for cash, authorities said Wednesday.
The violent crime, which was interrupted by another resident returning home, happened shortly after 12 a.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of Scenic Avenue, police said.
According to police, a woman who lives at the home said the suspects had entered her bedroom while she was asleep, demanded cash and beat her when she could not comply. She required hospitalization, authorities said. Her age has not been released.
The suspects then began ransacking the home.
They were interrupted about 12:25 a.m. Tuesday by another resident returning home, who found the front doors open and encountered the two suspects, police said. No other information was released about that resident.
That resident was able to leave the home and call 911, police said.
Officers arrived at the home within two minutes and conducted a search of the home, but the suspects had fled. Police said the suspects did not take any items.
The suspects are described as two Black males in their early 20s, approximately 5 feet 10 and 6 feet tall, wearing gray and black hoodies, respectively.
Police said that by using Flock Safety camera technology, officers identified a suspect vehicle leaving the area. The vehicle, an Audi sedan, was located within an hour in North Oakland and was towed for evidence.
Police said the robbery is an active and ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the crime, is urged to contact police at 510-240-3000.
Police said that with the recent warm weather, they know many residents are opening windows, spending more time outside, and enjoying the neighborhood. But they are asking everyone to continue prioritizing safety by securing their homes and staying aware of their surroundings. They are advising residents to continue to lock doors and windows, use exterior lighting when possible, and promptly report suspicious activity to police.