TERRELL HILLS, Texas – Terrell Hills police are asking for the public's help in identifying two people suspected of committing credit card abuse and burglary of habitation.
Police said 94-year-old Jack Locke woke up around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 3 and found a man in his bedroom with a flashlight.
“I said to him, ‘Hey, guy, what are you doing here?’ He didn't say anything, but he looked at me,” Locke said. “We looked at each other, and he hurriedly walked out of the bedroom into the hall.”
The man fled when confronted, but not before several firearms, a television and a wallet were taken, police said.
“My whole life was in that wallet, all my medical cards and credit cards.” Locke said. “He also stole eight of my family guns out of the gun cabinet.”
Fortunately for Locke, the thieves didn’t make off with his other irreplaceable weapons that were locked away in a gun safe.
“Even though I really would like to have those guns back, because my four boys grew up with those guns, they are replaceable," Locke said. "We are a hunting family. I don’t think I will be replacing them anytime soon because I don’t hunt as often, but I would really like them back, as well as my wallet.”
Locke said the man also stole his wristwatch and his car keys, which has also been a pain to deal with.
Two men were caught on camera using credit cards stolen from the resident to purchase items only hours after the crime. Police said the two brought along a toddler while committing the felony offense.
The suspect vehicle is described by police as a silver SUV with off-road lights on the roof.
Terrell Hills Police Chief William Foley said officers need to find these suspects before they strike again.
“Usually, when people steal from someone’s home and get away with it, they do it again,” Foley said. “We want these guys caught as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information about the two men is asked to call the Terrell Hills Police Department at 210-608-2855.
To deter burglaries like this from happening again, Foley said people should purchase a gun safe, write down serial numbers and take pictures of the firearms they own in case they are stolen. He also said to be sure to lock windows and doors to your home.
“Unfortunately, one of my doors was left unlocked because of the cleaning people, which is how they got in,” Locke said. “They were just bold. There is no one solution to prevent this stuff from happening, but everyone needs to double check, locking their doors and windows just in case.”