Stockton police are actively searching for four suspects involved in a home invasion on Mist Trail Drive in the Weston Ranch neighborhood.
The incident, which took place at approximately 1:45 pm on Tuesday, left two teenage brothers beaten and traumatized.
Ron Schenker, a neighbor of the victims, was heading out on an errand when he noticed suspicious activity at his neighbor's home. He saw a masked man, dressed in an orange vest, running across the lawn and managed to capture an image on his home security camera. The man, posing as a delivery worker, had assaulted the 14-year-old and 19-year-old brothers upon their opening the door.
Schenker also observed two vehicles arriving near his home and managed to record their license plate numbers before witnessing all four suspects fleeing the scene. The entire crime took place within a four-minute window. The mother of the victims, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said her sons were recovering but still shaken.
Regarding his actions, Schenker remarked, "These are my neighbors. We are like family, right? We watch out for one another." The incident serves as a reminder that homeowners should take additional precautions to protect their homes. The Oakland Police Department recently warned of an increase in residential burglaries involving individuals disguised as Amazon workers, and suggested homeowners invest in doorbell cameras with two-way talk features, make their homes appear occupied, create obstacles for break-ins, and leave lights on when away.
Stockton police continue their search for the suspects and encourage anyone with information to contact the Stockton Police Department. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance and securing homes and surroundings to prevent such incidents.