Law enforcement in Millburn, N.J. are offering up to $5,000 for information on a recent violent home invasion that was caught on tape by a resident's "nanny cam," News 12 New Jersey reports.
A young mother was attacked inside her home last Friday at around 10:30 a.m. by a reportedly 5-foot-11, 210-pound black male with a "light salt and pepper beard," who forced his way into her house before proceeding to viciously beat her as her 3-year old sat on the couch nearby and witnessed the scene, caught on tape by a nanny camera.
Officials say the footage has already provided them with several leads, and while the victim is choosing not to identify herself, she tells reporters that her daughter saw everything, so she tried to stay strong in front of her.
"I knew that if I started screaming, my daughter would too, and I was afraid she would get hurt," said the young mother. "I took it. I didn't cry the entire time."
The woman's 1-year old son was sleeping upstairs at the time, and neither child was injured in the attack. In the footage, the man is seen punching and kicking the young woman at least 16 times before pushing her down a flight of basement stairs. She was transported to an area hospital, suffering a concussion and facial injuries, and her attacker got away with jewelry, including her wedding ring. Police have checked local pawn shops to see if the suspect has attempted to sell those items.
Police also say that the attacker's behavior indicates that he may have committed this crime before, and the family says they will now be installing an alarm system.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Lt. Keith Laverty at 973-564-7001.
