Armed Home Invasion in NYC Targets 99-Year-Old, $20K Taken

I still can’t get this story out of my head. Imagine being 99 years old, living quietly in your longtime home, and then having your peace shattered by someone barging in with a gun. That’s exactly what happened to Jose Tur, a respected landlord in Washington Heights, Manhattan.

Early on a Monday morning, a man tricked Jose into thinking he was coming to deliver a package. Moments later, the suspect shoved him, forced him down the hallway, and stole $20,000 in cash.

What makes this even harder to digest is the aftermath. Jose suffered minor injuries from the attack, but the very next day, he had a stroke. At 99, his recovery will be long and difficult. I can’t help but feel the mix of fear and outrage that his family and community must be going through right now.

In this article, I want to walk you through exactly what happened, give you practical safety takeaways, and explore the bigger picture of home burglaries in NYC—especially those targeting the elderly. Because if this story teaches us anything, it’s that awareness and preparation can’t be underestimated.

How the Crime Unfolded: From Package to Robbery

Here’s how it all went down, and it’s chilling. According to CBS New York, the suspect first called Jose twice, pretending he had a package for Apartment 32. Jose thought he was meeting someone about collecting rent money from a tenant—completely normal, right? But when the man showed up, covered head to toe, something felt off immediately.

Surveillance footage shows the landlord opening the basement door, and that’s when the struggle begins. The suspect pushed his way inside with a gun, shoved Jose down the hallway, and grabbed $20,000 from the office before fleeing. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly a normal day can turn into a nightmare.

Incidents like this are, unfortunately, not isolated—similar cases have happened across the country, such as when a Hartford man was taken into custody after a Newington home invasion few days ago.

Practical takeaway: Always verify who’s at your door, even if they seem familiar or business-related. And if you ever feel a gut instinct that something’s wrong—don’t ignore it.

The Victim: Jose Tur, A Longtime Community Figure

Jose isn’t just any resident—he’s been a landlord in Washington Heights for over 40 years. His daughter-in-law told ABC7 New York that after he was treated and released from the hospital for minor injuries, he suffered a stroke the very next day.

I can’t stress enough how human this makes the story. This isn’t a statistic. It’s a man who’s devoted decades to his community, now facing both physical recovery and the trauma of being attacked in his own home. His family’s fear, worry, and hope for him to pull through is something that hits anyone reading it in the gut.

Practical takeaway: Elderly residents are especially vulnerable to stress-related consequences after violent incidents. Families and neighbors need to check in regularly and provide support, even after the immediate danger passes.

The Suspect: Description and Law Enforcement Appeal

The NYPD is actively seeking public help. The suspect was last seen wearing a black ski mask, gray sweatshirt, and black sweatpants. Police released surveillance footage to identify him. His audacity—targeting a 99-year-old—is something that’s hard to wrap your head around.

Jose’s family’s reaction sums it up: “For someone to go out and rob a 99-year-old, you have to have… no conscience, pretty much.” It’s not just about the money; it’s about the violation of safety and trust in your own home.

It’s a reminder of how quickly things can turn tragic—like the Midvale couple who were found dead inside their home in a suspected murder-suicide, showing the importance of vigilance and community support.

Practical takeaway: Share suspect descriptions and surveillance footage with your community and authorities. Awareness is the first line of defense.

Community Reaction: Outrage and Support

The neighborhood is shaken. Residents are shocked that someone could target an elderly landlord in broad daylight. At the same time, the outpouring of support for Jose has been tremendous. From neighbors checking in to social media posts urging vigilance, the community is rallying together.

Stories like this remind me—and should remind you—of how fragile safety can feel, even in familiar surroundings. But it also shows the strength that emerges when people come together.

Have you or someone you know ever experienced something similar in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.

Practical takeaway: Engage with your neighbors. Encourage conversations about safety, especially for older adults, and share tips or alerts within your building or block.

NYPD’s Response: Investigation and Public Appeal

The NYPD is asking for anyone with information to come forward. They are investigating the incident and have released the video footage to the public. Every tip counts, and even small details—like seeing someone matching the suspect’s description—can make a huge difference.

It’s a reminder that law enforcement and community efforts have to go hand in hand. Alone, you’re vulnerable—but together, the chances of preventing or solving crimes improve dramatically.

Cases of home invasions can have deadly outcomes, as seen when a person was killed during a possible home invasion in Illinois, emphasizing why staying informed and prepared is crucial.

Practical takeaway: If you notice suspicious activity or have information, contact NYPD Crime Stoppers. Your vigilance can help bring justice and prevent future attacks.

Broader NYC Home Burglary Context

Sadly, Jose’s story isn’t isolated. Home burglaries targeting the elderly are a concerning trend in NYC. The NYPD reports that many perpetrators exploit trust, calling or posing as delivery or service personnel.

What makes these crimes especially dangerous is the combination of physical threat and psychological stress—older adults are far more vulnerable to injury or health complications afterward.

Understanding patterns can help you stay safe. Many attacks happen in broad daylight, often in neighborhoods considered “quiet.” That means it’s never safe to assume your street or building is immune. Being aware of these trends is the first step to protecting yourself or loved ones.

Many residents share real-time safety alerts through local WhatsApp groups—these can be a great way to stay aware of suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Practical takeaway: Know the common tactics used in NYC home burglaries—fake deliveries, rent collection scams, or impersonation schemes—and educate family members, especially the elderly.

Final Thoughts

Here’s where you come in. We can’t rely solely on law enforcement to prevent every crime. Check in on elderly neighbors regularly, share suspect descriptions when safe, and report anything suspicious immediately.

You might think, “It won’t happen to me,” but crimes like Jose’s prove that it can happen anywhere. By staying alert, you don’t just protect yourself—you protect your entire community.

For more real-life safety stories and practical tips on protecting your home and loved ones, explore our Home Security section.

Practical takeaway: Talk to your neighbors, set up community watch programs, and keep lines of communication open. Every small step increases safety for everyone.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on reports from trusted sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional legal or safety advice. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and exercise caution when applying safety recommendations.