Watch CBS News

CBS2 Exclusive: Queens Man Speaks After Being Robbed With Grandfather, Pistol-Whipped

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Queens man was telling his story Friday night after a group of burglars broke into his home and pistol-whipped him.

As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, the assailants also attacked the man's 71-year-old grandfather before speeding off.

"I saw this guy with the gun," said Richard Beckford. "He tied my hands behind my back. He tied my feet."

Beckford, 30, was describing one of the most frightening moments of his life. It happened on Thursday morning at his home in St. Albans, when he said four men kicked in the front door.

They robbed him and his grandfather before beating Beckford severely.

"It was very scary," Beckford said.

Late Friday, police only had a vague description of the assailants.

Beckford says they Woke up his 71-year-old grandfather, Hillmus Chambers, around 8 a.m. Thursday. He said they forced their way up the steps, tied up both men with cellphone cords, and demanded cash before one of the men pistol whipped Beckford in the head five times.

The wounds on the top of his head were still visible Friday night.

"He hit me in the head with a gun," Beckford said.

Police sources told CBS2 the suspects then bolted from the home and sped off in a gray Toyota.

But the men said before the suspects left, they stole $120 in cash, bags, and jewelry from a box in the house, among other things.

"Cell phone, tablet, chain, earring," were among the other items stolen, Beckford said.

The victims said the troubling attack left them nervous for their safety.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.