Masked home invaders target family in upscale neighborhood

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An Atlanta city councilwoman said she is terrified by the crime that is happening in her upscale neighborhood.

Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mayor Kasim Reed both live in Guilford Forrest where a violent home invasion happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday. Police said three robbers broke into a basement back door of a home on Guilford Forest Drive. They came upstairs, surprising a mother and her two adult children.

At least two of the home invaders were armed, according to police. They waved the guns, threatened to kill the family, and then pistol whipped the younger victims.

Investigators said a woman was hit in the back of the head and torso and the man was also struck in the back of the head. Neither injury was described as serious. Both victims were treated at the scene and didn't go to the hospital.

"I was terrified. I live in the neighborhood and I have four kids. My mom lives not even 3 minutes away so, it's frightening," Bottoms said.

The home invaders stole cell phones, wallets, and purses before grabbing the keys to the victims' SUV and escaped. The vehicle is described as a red 2012 Buick Enclave, Georgia license tag AHY1952.

Police have no idea why the victims were targeted. They told investigators they didn't know the home invaders.

Mayor Kasim Reed released a statement on Wednesday:

“I am deeply troubled by the home invasion that took place last night in Southwest Atlanta and my thoughts are with the three victims of this crime. We are doing everything in our power to bring these perpetrators to justice.  My number-one priority has always been public safety, and it remains so today.

The Atlanta Police Department has an active investigation underway, and Chief George Turner and his team have my full support. The Department has a strong track record of resolving cases, and I am confident they will be able to identify and arrest the individuals responsible for this crime.”

Residents are organizing an emergency meeting that will likely take place Thursday evening.

Neighbors hope the stepped-up patrols in the area will continue, after concerns have died down. 

"They are obviously targeting certain types of neighborhoods," said neighbor Valerie Jackson.  

Atlanta Police Major Vince Moore told FOX 5, although neighbors have expressed concerns over recent incidents in the neighborhood, statistics do not show an overall increase in crime.