Deputies respond to home invasion

Two men forced their way into a home on Highway 51 and robbed the occupants at gunpoint Tuesday night.

Elmore County deputies first received the report of the home invasion at 8:45 p.m. and responded immediately to the home rented by Daniel Widner at 5087 Highway 51, just past the Hamilton Road turnoff.

Authorities are still investigating details of the crime, but the initial reports indicate that Widner, a female companion and three children, ages 3-10, had just sat down to dinner when the doorbell rang.

When Widner answered the door two men pushed their way inside and displayed a semi-automatic handgun. Widner was struck by one of the assailants and knocked to the couch. The attackers then ordered all of the persons present to lay on the floor while Widner was taken into a back bedroom and forced to give the robbers an undisclosed amount of money.

As the robbery was proceeding, Eric Hodges showed up at the house to pick up some of the children. He was immediately forced to lay on the floor and his wallet and keys were taken by the assailants.

Both of the robbers in the home wore black mesh masks and gloves. Authorities believe a third person involved in the home invasion waited outside in their getaway vehicle.

Authorities do not have a complete description of either the suspects or their vehicle, but are working a number of leads at this time.