Family Recovering After Home Invasion, Robbery Attempt
Last Edited: Wednesday, 26 Dec 2007, 10:19 PM EST
Created: Wednesday, 26 Dec 2007, 10:19 PM EST

A jewelry store owner and his wife were forced from their home at gunpoint Wednesday, Dec. 26 and their 15-year-old son was held hostage.
Reported By: Charles Molineaux

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5) – A jewelry store owner and his wife were forced from their home at gunpoint Wednesday and their 15-year-old son was held hostage.

Homeowner Sam Mahabal walked gingerly out of his Stone Mountain home Wednesday evening, favoring ribs he said were broken while fighting with a crew of three armed robbers.

Mahabal said the gunmen descended on his home, crudely disguised as police.

“They had on them reflective vests that basically said ‘Police’ on them. The homeowner, thinking they were actual police, opened the door,” said James Polite of the Atlanta Police Department.

Mahabal said he tried to fight back, but the men beat him, fired a shot at him and ransacked his home. Mahabal said the suspects tore out security cameras that were installed after he was robbed at his home last year.

The gunmen then held Mahabal’s 15-year-old son at gunpoint in the basement while Mahabal and his wife were forced into the family’s Hummer SUV.

“They held the son hostage until they could feel secure that they finished the robbery,” said David Schiralli of the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Atlanta police said the suspects then forced the victims to go the family’s jewelry store and made them unlock the door and it was then that Mahabal took an opportunity to escape.

“Fortunately at that particular time, he managed to escape and at that time the suspects became fearful and let in the victims’ vehicle,” said Polite.

The Hummer was later abandoned a few blocks away.

The man who installed the security system for Mahabal’s store said there has never been a hold-up at the store, but the gunmen may have followed the victims’ home.

Investigators warned people to beware of people claiming to be police, even if they are wearing vests that say they are.

“We should be in uniform. If not, there will be a picture ID. Also, we will have a marked patrol vehicle,” said Polite.

FOX 5’s Charles Molineaux can be reached at charles.molineaux@myfoxatlanta.com.