Men Storm Home of Prominent Couple in Palm Valley

PALM VALLEY, FL -- The tranquility of Roscoe Boulevard South was destroyed for one Palm Valley family overnight after police say three men with guns burst through an unlocked door of the home of prominent business couple Brig and Lita Hart.

"She did not resist the individuals. They had firearms pointed at her almost immediately. Certainly that was a tactical no-win situation for her," said Sergeant Chuck Mulligan of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Mr. Hart was away from home on business when the suspects confronted his wife.

"And forced her to a safe in the house and forced her to open that same safe," said Sgt. Mulligan.

The men then tied up their victim, cleaned out the safe, and ran out. A St. John's County K-9 tracked their scent to the church parking lot next door, where the trail went cold.

While the home is gated from the front, only small shrubs separate the home from the Christ the Redeemer Church parking lot next door.

Neighbor Joe Luke told First Coast News he continues to feel safe. "We feel real safe," said Luke. "I would assume this is some kind of isolated event."

And as detectives continued to look for evidence Friday, police and the Hart family are grateful no one was hurt.

The Sheriff's Office says when confronted by the gunmen, the homeowner did the right thing.

"She complied with their request. Yes. They made away with a great deal of valuable items, but she's safe. And that's our most important factor," said Mulligan.

If you have any information that can help police, call our partners at First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. You never have to give your name and you may be eligible for a cash reward.

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