Forest Lawn home invasion leaves couple with head injuries

A man in a mask invaded the home of an older couplewhile they were sleeping and attacked them, leaving them with serious head injuries, Calgarypolice say.

He broke into the home in the 1500 block of 49th Street S.E.in Forest Lawn through the back doorjust after midnight, entering the master bedroom anddemanding money from the couple.

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The culprit assaulted a manin his 70sand awomaninher 60s. He then fled, police say.

The victims were taken to hospital in serious but non-life-threatening condition. Both had lacerations and soft-tissue injuries to their faces and heads, according to paramedics.

"I don't know. Somebody just broke in and started beating us," said one of the victims, who CBC has agreed not to name.

He was released from hospital later Wednesday morning. His wife remains in hospital.

Nothing appears to have been stolen, police say.

Police initially described the weapon as a metal barbutacting Staff Sgt. Lon Brewstersaid at a news conference Wednesday morning thatinvestigators don't yet know what the culprit used to attack the couple.

"They were hit over the head," he said.

Brewster said the incident highlights how important it is for people tolock their doors at night and to not hesitate to call police when they see something suspicious.

"If you feel that someone is outside trying to get in, call 911. We'll come very quickly. That's what we're there for," he said.

Investigators are still looking for the culprit. It's believed he's25- to35-years-old, with a heavy build. He was wearing a hood and a ski mask.

Police say they are waiting to speak to the couple to get more details and to try to determine whether the attack was random or targeted.

Peter Gadaric, who owns a rental property nearthe victims, says he has known the couple for many years.

"I feelsorry for them both, but I hope they catch the guy, whoever did this," he said.

Dave Tighe, who lives nearby, says he suspects the downturn in the economy is leadingsome people to commit crimes.

"These are desperate times, a recession going onand you just hope that work picks up so this can all stop," he said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Calgary policerobbery unit at 403-428-8787or contact Crime Stoppers.