Crime & Safety

Men Invade Home on Howell Lane, Hold Woman at Gunpoint

Law enforcement is asking for the public's help in identifying two men who are suspected of burglarizing a residence and threatening a woman at gunpoint on Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement officers are reaching out to the public for help in identifying two men who are suspected of invading and burlarizing a residence on the 2400 block of Howell Lane in unincorporated Gilroy on Tuesday morning, according to a release by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.

The two suspects entered the residence at 10:15 a.m., and stole several items during their search. The suspects also forced the lone occupant, a woman in her 50s, into a bedroom at gunpoint, although she was left unharmed, according to Sgt. Jose Cardoza of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

“While they continued their search they made her go into her room while they ransacked the house and stole items from there,” he said.

“She was very fortunate. I don’t want to say it’s the norm where victims get pistol-whipped or something like that, but it does happen where they’re insulted in some way, but she wasn’t in this case.”

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One of the suspects is described as a 5 foot 6 inch tall Hispanic male, weighing 150 pounds and wearing all black clothing. A sketch of the suspect can be seen on the right.

The second suspect, who was carrying the black handgun, is described as a 6-foot tall white male, weighing 160-180 pounds. He was wearing a black mask and all black clothing during the invasion.

Cardoza said the victim described the suspects as "young looking," possibly in their 20s.

The monetary value of the stolen items couldn’t be released at the time of contact, nor could their description, which could jeopardize the case as officers work to recover them during the investigation, Cardoza said.

As of now, Cardoza said they don’t have any solid leads on the suspects.

“We’re hoping for the public’s help, or for information if they saw or heard anything suspicious in that area. That’s unfortunately all we have to go by right now,” Cardoza said.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Quinonez or Detective Sergeant Poso at (408) 808-4500. Anonymous tips can be left at (408) 808-4431.

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.