Two brazen thieves in New York City allegedly held a family captive as they robbed their home disguised as Amazon delivery drivers. The New York Police Department released surveillance footage of two men walking down the street in Whitestone, Queens, on June 9, 2025, just before 8 a.m. Within minutes, the men knocked on the door of an unsuspecting resident and reportedly made their way into his home. Now, the NYPD wants help finding the attackers.
According to the New York Post, a 43-year-old man opened the door to his home on 12th Avenue near 152nd Street about 7:40 a.m. on Monday morning. One of the suspects wore an Amazon vest as the two men reportedly forced their way into the home. The men forced the residents, two women, 39 and 18, and two boys, 10 and 5, into the basement. They allegedly brandished a firearm and tied the family up with tape and zip ties, ABC 7 reported.
Neighbor John Nardone told Freedom News TV he saw the father running from the home with duct tape on his face and “Called 911 right away.” He said the father was extremely “rattled.” Nardone had to get to work but wanted to be sure police were on the way before he left.
“I was wondering if this was real because of that,” Nardone said. “I’ve never seen something like that, like a guy come out of his house with duct tape all over his face.”
Per the New York Post, the thieves allegedly stole $16,000, jewelry, and electronics before taking off in the family’s minivan. Police found the silver Chrysler abandoned a few blocks away.
Emergency responders took the family to a nearby hospital for evaluation, ABC 7 reported, but no one suffered serious injuries.
Councilwoman Vickie Paladino released a statement about the home invasion. The Republican politician said officials suspect it was a targeted attack and encouraged residents to protect themselves.
“I want to remind my constituents that New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protect themselves,” Paladino shared in the statement.
“I urge my constituents to avail themselves of their rights under the Second Amendment; my office is always available to assist constituents with obtaining firearm permits for premises or concealed carry,” she wrote.
Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
