Norwalk Boy Calls 911, Saves Family from Gunmen

Boy begs the operator to send police quickly, "a lot of them... and bring soldiers too."


LISTEN TO THE CALL


NORWALK---Authorities in Norwalk are looking for three (Hispanic) suspects wanted in a brazen home invasion robbery thwarted by a brave 7-year-old boy.

Three suspects armed with handguns entered the home through an unlocked front door Tuesday morning and said they were there to take what they wanted, according to Norwalk sheriff's deputies.

The boy, who the suspects did not know was in the house, locked himself in a bathroom with his younger sister and called 911 while the suspects threatened his parents at gunpoint.

On the recording, he begs the operator to send police quickly, "a lot of them... And bring soldiers too."

Operator: "Can you tell me what happened?"

Boy: "They rang the door and they have guns to shoot my mom and dad."

Operator: "Right now?"

Boy: "Yes. Can you come really fast? Bring some cops?"

Operator: "I have them coming, hon. Listen, OK? Listen to me. Take a deep breath. How old are you?"

Boy: "Seven years old."

Operator: "Where are you at in the house?"

Boy: "Inside the bathroom."

Operator: "You're in the bathroom? Who's with you?"

Boy: "It's my sister."

Operator: "How old is she?"

Boy: "Six years old. Can you come really fast? Hurry up!"

Operator: "Yes. Stay on the line with me. Don't hang up."

Boy: "OK."

Operator: "Tell me exactly what happened, OK? Just stay where you are and don't hang up, whatever you do."

Boy: "OK. They ring. The guys have a --"

As the boy explained what was happening to the dispatcher, the suspects realized someone was in the bathroom and forced entry.

Screaming is heard on the tape as one of the suspects grabs the boy and takes the phone from him.

The suspect asked the boy who he had called, and when he replied "911," the suspects immediately fled the house without injuring him or his parents and without taking any property.

"If not for the brave and educated actions of the 7-year-old boy, this might have ended tragically," said Capt. Pat Maxwell of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The suspects fled in a Grey Acura RXS 2-door vehicle.

The first suspect is a Hispanic male between 18 and 21 with a shaved head, about 5'8" and 200 lbs.

He was wearing a baggy blue shirt and dark pants.

The second suspect is a Hispanic male, also between the ages of 18 and 21, about 6'0" and 230 lbs.

He was last wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt over a white t-shirt.

And the third suspect is a Hispanic male, approximately 200 lbs., between 18 and 21 years old. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information was asked to call Norwalk Station Detectives at (562) 863-8711.