80-year-old tied up as robbers ransack Tustin house

TUSTIN, Calif. (KABC) -- An 80-year-old Tustin woman was tied up as robbers ransacked her house, and then the suspects fled in the victim's Lexus.

The victim lives at the house with her husband, but he was not home when the suspects broke in just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Police say the suspects pried open a sliding door, then spent at least 15 minutes inside the home in the 14600 block of Peppertree Circle.

"She's very scared," said neighbor Yen La.

Lt. Robert Wright of the Tustin Police Department said the victim heard the doorbell ringing, but she didn't answer it.

"She then was startled to see one suspect inside the residence," Wright said.

A second suspect helped tie the victim's arms and legs, and they made demands.

"The house was completely ransacked," Wright said. "Mattresses overturned, drawers pulled out."

The suspects then stole the victim's Lexus. After they left, she called 911 and made it across the street to ask for help to get untied.

About two hours after the incident, three suspects were located near the stolen vehicle in Los Angeles. They were detained for questioning, and then released.

Police believe the crime was random, which makes it even more concerning for neighbors of the quiet cul-de-sac.