Police investigate Northeast Philadelphia home invasion

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Police say they are investigating a home invasion in Northeast Philadelphia.

It was just after five o'clock when police say two men knocked on the door at a home in the 2100 block of Lott Street near the Boulevard. The 69-year-old homeowner answered the door and was immediately pushed back inside.

"Forced him to the ground, tied his wrists behind his back with a plastic zip tie and threw a blanket over his head," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Investigators say the suspects demanded money and then scoured the house looking for money. Emptying drawers and tossing things around until they located $90,000, according to police. Investigators say they stole a valuable watch and some jewelry. They forced open a safe in the basement, police say. Then fled the scene.

"These two individuals spent about 40 minutes in the house. They ransacked the entire house. Every drawer, every cabinet was opened.

This is a quiet neighborhood in Bustleton where people proudly fly the American flag. Police say there's little or no crime problems. According to police, the hooded suspects left some key evidence behind.

Police don't believe this was a random crime, the victim buys and sells cars online. Crime scene investigators arrived as police checked the area for surveillance video. The suspects may have used a getaway car.

"They possibly entered a silver four door vehicle, possibly a Honda," said Small. " We believe they knew he had cash in the house."

The homeowner was not seriously injured.