Video released of violent home invasion in west Houston

HOUSTON – A Houston homeowner says he didn’t expect to survive a home invasion robbery last month in west Houston. And afterwards, he said life for himself and his family has changed forever.

The man agree to talk with KPRC2 about the ordeal Monday on the condition that he not be identified.

The robbery happened May 19 at his home in the 1500 block of South Kirkwood Road.

Home security video released by Houston Police Department Robbery investigators showed five heavily armed and masked men arrive outside the house, and then forced their way in by breaking open the front door with a large stone.

[VIDEO: Surveillance video of Kirkwood home invasion]

The victim said he stayed home from work that day because he was ill. He was asleep on the couch when the men swarmed into the living room.

 “The minute I opened my eyes, I could see three men with guns aimed directly at my head,” he said.

The men demanded cash as they ransacked the house. He said when he told them he didn’t have any money, they tied him up, beat him and tortured him.

“They put scissors up to my finger and said, 'Where is the money? Where is the money?" and I said,' I don’t have anything,'” he said. “They put a pillow over my head and put a gun on it.”

When he was asked what he was thinking during the invasion, he said, “Are my children going to see me dead on the floor when they return home?”

The robbers finally found a small amount of cash, and left with it, along with several firearms, jewelry and some clothing.

But for the victim and his family, the trauma remains.

“It’s changed my life completely, my fiancé and the kids moved out completely, we had to change our lifestyle. Think about quitting my job.”

And there’s not much comfort in knowing the robbers are still at large.

“I’d love to get these guys off the street.”

Houston Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information about the robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.