CLIFTON, New Jersey — Two men broke into the home of a 73-year-old grandmother in Clifton, New Jersey, and terrorized her while they ransacked her belongings.
Ramona Cartagena gave a detailed account of what happened in her house on Sunday at noon.
Cartagena was making a wreath on her kitchen island when she heard her door open.
It was my husband, I thought he had returned,” Cartagena said. Not her husband at all. Two men in black masks instead entered. I completely froze up,” Cartagena admitted.
One of the men walked over to her while the other stayed by the door.
“Don’t move was the only thing he said. In Spanish, he said, “as Cartagena put it. “He just grabbed me by my hand, he took the tape, my own tape, and he wrapped my hand, he wrapped my feet and he put the tape in my mouth.”
Cartagena stayed on the floor while the men destroyed bedrooms in search of valuables. She claims that as soon as she saw them leave, she tore the tape from her mouth and immediately dialed 911.
“They stole an item that would be difficult to replace. They took my daughter’s jewelry,” said Cartagena.
Cartagena’s daughter died in 2021 and now the heirlooms meant for her are taken.
“They stole my confidence,” said Cartagena.
Cartagena drew pictures of the suspects to help police track them down. One wore glasses and boasted a distinct logo on his jacket, she remembered.
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She admitted, “I watch a lot of ‘CSI’ and ‘Forensic Files. “In the show, they always say try to remember.”
Cartagena said she’s lived in the home for 25 years and never had problems.
Clifton Police are asking anyone with knowledge to contact their detectives. Callers will not be identified.