Masked Intruders Terrorize Couple During Late-Night Woodland Hills Home Invasion

A violent home invasion in Woodland Hills late Tuesday night has left a Southern California couple shaken and prompted investigators to look into a possible connection with a nearby attempted break-in the same evening.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Woodland Hills incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the 22700 block of Erwin Street. The husband and wife were home alone when three masked suspects, reportedly armed with guns, entered the property through the backyard.

Police say one of the suspects climbed through a window and then opened a door to allow the others inside. Once in the home, the intruders split up. One suspect confronted the husband, who was working in a home office, and forced him to open a safe. Meanwhile, another suspect entered a bedroom where the wife had been sleeping, forced her out of bed, and stuffed a shirt into her mouth to prevent her from screaming.

The entire ordeal lasted only minutes, but the financial losses were significant. Investigators estimate the suspects fled with approximately $15,000 in cash and nearly $500,000 worth of jewelry.

The suspects were described as three males wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves. They escaped in a dark-colored vehicle in an unknown direction. Authorities believe the crime was targeted, noting that the home was equipped with security cameras that may provide critical evidence as the investigation continues.

Just 12 miles away, another break-in was reported the same night in Sherman Oaks on the 3400 block of Valley Meadow Road. In that incident, two suspects entered a home through a bedroom door but fled immediately when an alarm sounded. It remains unclear whether anything was stolen.

Police are investigating whether the two incidents are connected, though no arrests have been announced. Fortunately, no one was physically injured in either case.

As detectives continue to review surveillance footage and gather evidence, residents across the San Fernando Valley are being reminded to remain vigilant, especially during late-night hours when home invasion robberies often occur.

Source: KTLA