Wife Hits Queens Home Invader In Head With Hammer After She, Husband Were Shot
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are on the hunt for two men after a state Department of Corrections officer and his wife were shot during a home invasion in Queens that investigators believe was specifically targeted.
It happened at a house on Mathias Avenue in Jamaica around 7 p.m. Sunday.
Henry Wright, a 58-year-old correction officer for the Queensboro Correctional Facility, was shot five times in the stomach and torso after two armed men pushed their way in when his wife Sharon, 52, answered the door at their home.
Investigators said during the struggle, the wife, who was shot in the shoulder, was able to grab a hammer and hit one of the armed men in the head.
"Sharon is a very nice person, but she's not a coward," said neighbor James Best. "I'm pretty sure that she was defending her husband. I commend her and I hope they are OK."
Police said the suspects wanted to send a message, telling the wife "Let Rob know I was here," CBS2's Magdalena Doris reported. CBS2 has learned the couple does know someone named Rob, but investigators can't elaborate on his connection to the couple.
Neighbors identified him as another neighbor who is often seen hanging out at the Wright residence which is often filled with friends.
"Well-known individual," said neighbor Evelyn Fowler. "She loved friends."
But some neighbors are also on edge, hopeful for arrests and the couple's quick recovery.
"I hear that they are out of surgery and doing well," said Best. "Looking forward to seeing them come back so I can welcome them back home."
Police describe the suspects as men in their 20s wearing dark hoodies. Police said the men may have used a getaway car, but have not released a description of the vehicle.
