Elderly Watsonville woman robbed at gunpoint during home invasion

A 92-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint during a home invasion in Watsonville.

The robbery took place at a home in the 200 block of Hames Road.

The woman told the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office she was home alone around 6 p.m. Wednesday when three men began knocking on her door.

“When the victim opened the door she was forced to the ground while the suspects demanded jewelry,” said Sgt. Brian Cleveland.

The victim believed at least five suspects entered her home and one was armed with a handgun.

The suspects took several items before leaving the house. The woman suffered minor injuries and called 911.

“Three of the suspects were described as Hispanic men, 18-20 years old, wearing hooded clothing. Deputies located a witness who saw a suspicious white sedan driving through the area around the time of the robbery,” said Sgt. Cleveland.

The Sheriff’s Office Community Contact Team went back to the neighborhood where the home invasion occurred to let residents know what they can do to prevent them from becoming victims.

Sgt. Cleveland said, “We urge our elderly residents to be cautious when answering the door to their homes to anyone they do not know or are expecting.”

Anyone with information related to this case can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 831-471-1121. Reference case #18-01149.