Family tied up in Whittier-area home invasion robbery, 3 suspects sought

WHITTIER, Calif. - Authorities Friday sought three men for an armed home invasion robbery of a family in the Spyglass neighborhood near north Whittier, and a county supervisor asked for increased patrols in the area.

Deputies responded to a call of a robbery in the 4400 block of Indian Bend Drive, near Sierra Sky Drive, about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Several family members inside the house were tied up by the suspects, who were last seen running from the home, getting into a car and driving away, the department said. The suspects fled after one victim was able to get the attention of an Uber driver outside.

"I am so grateful that these residents are safe after this terrifying home invasion and I want to thank the Uber driver who realized what was happening and called 911,'' Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement.

"The three suspects are still at large and are believed to be armed,'' Hahn said. "I have asked Sheriff's Capt. Phillip Marquez to increase patrols in the unincorporated North Whittier/Spyglass community.''

The intruders took about $500 from a wallet and tried to get into a safe, but it was unclear if they were successful, authorities said.

One of the victims was slapped in the face during the robbery and a second victim suffered a minor injury during a scuffle with one of the intruders, according to Channel 5.

A fifth victim who showed up during the robbery was pulled inside the home but managed to break free and yell for the Uber, who dropped her off, to get help. The victim's calls for help prompted the robbers to flee the scene in a black sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger.

Authorities did not release a description of the robbers. No shots were fired during the incident. Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detective Avila at 562-949-2421.