Watch CBS News

Robbers duct-tape 99-year-old woman and her son during home invasion

Ann Budzinski, 99, and her son James, 62, were attacked by three men CBS Chicago

(CBS/WBBM) ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - A 99-year-old woman and her 62-year-old son said they were duct-taped to chairs and robbed by three men Wednesday in their suburban Illinois home.

James Budzinski says one of the attackers had come to their door around 1:30 p.m., claiming he needed to check the water pressure at their house, reports CBS Chicago. When James tried to shut the door on that man, two others helped the stranger barge into the Romeoville house.

"I had a stick there with me that I use when I go out, and I was going to hit the guy with it," Ann Budzinski told the station. "That's how he grabbed me, and he pulled me. Then I almost fell down, then he pushed me on the chair."

James Budzinski said the robbers threatened to kill them if they didn't reveal where they kept their safe or jewelry, CBS Chicago reports.

"I said 'We don't have any, we're on Social Security,'" he said.

The Budzinskis reportedly said the intruders were at the house for about 25 minutes, ransacking the home for valuables, stealing some plastic costume jewelry and cash from a recent garage sale.

CBS Chicago reports that Ann Budzinski's arm was cut in the attack, but - even at 99 years old - she said "I feel fine."

Romeoville police reportedly say a witness saw the intruders drive off in an older model black Ford F-150 pickup truck. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.