Hanford Police investigators are searching for three men who broke into the south Hanford residence of a 74-year-old local man, struck him, threatened him and then robbed him on Tuesday morning. Three men described only as Hispanic males between 18 and 22 years of age broke into an Amberwood II apartment near 11th Avenue and Thompson Drive at 2 a.m. while the victim, Ezequil Luque, was entertaining company. The guests fled the scene as the men entered, while Luque was struck and forced onto the bed.

The suspects stole a wallet with a small amount of money in it and the victim's keys before leaving. Luque was told to lay on the floor and count to 100 as they fled. It is unknown where the suspects went as they left the complex. Luque's vehicle was not stolen following their departure.

"We are currently working on some leads right now," Hanford Police Investigator Bryan Toppan said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to identify these suspects soon."

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Investigator Toppan at 585-2540.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(May 8, 2008)