Police investigate St. Petersburg home invasion

St. Petersburg police said a 22-year-old man was held at gunpoint and pistol-whipped inside his home Monday evening.

The incident happened at 7:35 p.m. at 3472 14th Ave. S, police said.

James Ward was home alone, police said, when three to four men entered through an unlocked door. One of them was armed with a rifle, and others had handguns. The man holding the rifle pointed it at Ward and demanded money, police spokesman George Kajtsa said.

The suspects then searched the victim and ransacked his home. They struck Ward with their firearms and their fists before leaving with a small amount of money.

Ward saw them flee in a white vehicle. Anyone with information can call police at (727) 892-5000.

Luis Perez, Times Staff Writer

*