2 Men Nabbed In Burbank Home-Invasion Robbery That Left 89-Year-Old Woman Injured

BURBANK (CBSLA.com) — Police Thursday announced the arrest of two men suspected of committing a home-invasion robbery in Burbank.

One of the suspects is also accused of beating the 89-year-old victim.

Around 8:30 p.m. on July 10, officers were sent to a home in the 1000 block of Cornell Drive for report of a home-invasion robbery.

Upon their arrival, police located the homeowner who reportedly was held hostage during the incident.

A preliminary investigation revealed a man in his 30s pushed his way into the victim's home when she answered the door.

Officers said the suspect claimed to have something good to sell to the victim prior to entering the home.

The woman used her medical alert system to call for help. She said the suspect held her captive for nearly 30 minutes before he threw a chair and a footstool at her.

The suspect then continued to beat the woman.

"The madder he got, the madder I got," Gerri said.

The victim added the suspect continued to threaten her.

"I have a sheet on the sofa, so he folded that up and choked me and put it over my mouth," the victim said. "He said he was going to shoot me. I said 'Go ahead and shoot me', but I don't think he had a gun."

According to police, the victim reported a second suspect was waiting outside the home during the incident.

The suspects fled from the scene with some of her costume jewelry.

On Wednesday, Lonnie Garcia, 27, of Pasadena was subsequently arrested. Officers said Garcia was recently released from prison and was being supervised as part of a California realignment program.

A second suspect, Eddie Baca, 39, of Highland, was later arrested following a short pursuit that ended at Madre Street and Del Mar Bouelvard in Pasadena.

Garcia is being held without bail at the Burbank City jail on suspicion of home-invasion robbery and attempt to murder elderly victim. Baca is being held on $75,000 for felony evading and drug sales.

Both men are scheduled to appear at the Burbank branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday.

The victim told CBS2's Laurie Perez that she has a new security system and is likely to now get a caregiver.

"I'm not moving," Gerri said, "I love this house."

Gerri also said she didn't think twice about fighting the suspect  -- even though she suffered a broken collarbone and many bruises -- and would do it again. She was proud to show off her battle scars.

"I didn't know how strong I was," she said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Burbank Police Department at (818) 238-3264.