A manhunt is under way after a home invasion robbery in Mira Mesa.
The man forced a couple and their two children into a room at gunpoint at about 11:30 p.m. on Monday, police said, then ransacked the house. The family lives on Hillery Drive in the Legacy Apartment homes, just south of the Edwards Cinema.
The victim first spotted the suspect standing near one of the security gates that surround the complex, investigators said. The victim parked his car, got out and was then confronted by the home invader, who pulled out a gun. The gunman ordered the man into his apartment, forcing him, his wife and two children into one of the rooms before taking several items, including an X-Box and some cell phones and fleeing, according to investigators.
The family wasn't injured.
On Tuesday morning, residents who live in neighboring units said even though the area is surrounded by surveillance cameras, security signs and fences, they are living with a false sense of security.
"I think if a burglar wants in bad enough, then they're going to do what they need to do to get in, and I think the best thing we can do is to take the precautions we know and make sure that we're safe and our family is safe," Legacy resident Ryan Davies said.
Gustavo Silva said there was another robbery at the complex not too long ago.
“People go in and out however they want to go," Silva said. "There's no real security, which is a real concern for us."
Police said the gunman is 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a thin build. They said he had a slight goatee and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. Anyone with information about the case is being urged to call police.
