Elderly Couple Held At 'Fork-Point' During Violent East Meadow Home Invasion

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An elderly Long Island couple said they were counting their blessings on Tuesday night, after an alleged robber roughed up the 91 and 87-year-old during a violent home invasion.

As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, they said the man robbed them at fork-point.

Alan and Rita Barnett of East Meadow were sipping a glass of sangria before dinner when they found themselves in the fight of their lives.

The intruder barked commands, threatened them, and demanded cash.

"He came with me into the bedroom. He wanted to see if there was money in there," Rita said.

"When he went into the little bathroom I tried to attack him with my cane and it was foolish because he was unbelievably powerful for a slim guy," Alan said.

Police said the robber -- described as a young, well dressed Hispanic, male --acted alone.

He jumped over the fence from a sump, and burst through the Barnett's back door.

The man grabbed a meat fork and held it at the throats of the retired engineer, and social worker.

"My husband said, 'my wife and I can't do this," Rita said.

"He knocked me down," Alan said, "My heart was really pounding," Alan said.

The Barnetts -- grandparents of five -- tried reasoning with the suspect as he pushed his way around their home scooping up cash, credit cards, jewels, and keys.

"He just squished me and pushed down both of us, and I said I can't believe this is happening. I didn't think I would come out of this alive," Rita said.

Nassau Police searched with K9, helicopter, and road blocks. So far, the suspect has eluded them, but he may have left behind valuable fingerprints.

Nassau police were looking for tips and leads as they canvassed the East Meadow community and advising residents to keep doors locked.