The Story

An elderly woman was attacked by multiple criminals acting as candy salespeople. A woman knocked on her door and said that she was walking through the community selling candy. Sadly, when the elderly woman’s guard was down accomplices forced themselves inside. The attackers robbed her and the victim sustained minor injuries.

Elderly Woman Attacked in Home Invasion

OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) — An elderly woman suffered minor injuries after being targeted in a violent, armed home invasion in Oak Lawn, police said.

Village officials said shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday the victim answered a ring at her door at her home in the 4600-block of West 105th Place. She was met with a Black female wearing an orange or red coat who told her she was selling candy.

As they spoke, a Black man wearing what appeared to be a white t-shirt over a blue hoodie pulled out a gun and forced his way into the home, officials said.

The victim was held at gunpoint while a third man, also described as a Black male but without a clothing description, also came into her home. The three then ransacked the home and fled to a white Kia Optima driven by a fourth person. The Kia fled west on 105th Place toward Cicero Avenue, officials said.

The victim was knocked to the ground as the armed man entered her home and sustained minor injuries, according to officials.

Three of the suspects were caught on surveillance video. Anyone with information that could identify them are asked to call Oak Lawn police at 708-907-4051. You can also share tips via text by sending them to 708-613-8477.

Original story reported by ABC 7 Eyewitness News.

What Can We Learn?

Unfortunately, we cannot trust everyone that knocks on our doors. We must not unlock or open our doors to anyone that we cannot clearly identify as someone we know is safe. So, what can we learn from this tragic encounter? Something we can consider is our home safety. If you do not already have some kind of locking security door that can remain locked while you talk to unknown visitors, you may want to consider installing one. In addition, another habit you can implement is to have your phone on you. Have a defensive tool near your doors as well. Whether you are an elderly woman or a woman who lives alone, taking these steps could make a huge difference. What do you think?