Recently, in Georgia, two suspects pretended to be Amazon workers and violently attacked an elderly homeowner with a sledgehammer during a disturbing home invasion that lasted for 8 minutes.
A chilling surveillance video captured the moment when the two men approached George “Dirk” Hardison’s front door in Savannah, Ga. on January 11.
The intruders were disguised in Amazon work jackets, with one of them carrying a box as they walked down the public sidewalk.
They forced their way into the home and proceeded to brutally beat Hardison, 66, with a sledgehammer for about eight minutes, as reported by WTOC based on a police report.
One of the intruders fled the scene with the box he entered with, continuing to run down the street.
Shortly after, the second suspect also made a run for it.
Despite the brutal attack, the intruders only managed to steal $80 from Hardison.
After the attackers left, the homeowner could be heard shouting for help.
Neighbors discovered Hardison covered in blood with severe head injuries, as per WTOC.
Following the assault, Hardison required 14 staples in his head.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a statement regarding the disturbing incident.
“While this may have been a targeted attack, rest assured that we will identify those responsible for this brazen act and bring them to justice,” Johnson stated.
Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the fake Amazon workers who assaulted Hardison.
“Contact SPD if you happened to see two people dressed as Amazon workers in the area around the time of the incident,” a caption on the Savannah Police Department’s Facebook page read.
Hardison is employed as a bartender at O’Connell’s Pub in Savannah’s Historic District.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the victim in his recovery and rehabilitation.
So far, the fundraiser has collected $14,000.
As the search for the perpetrators continues, Mayor Johnson urged residents to remain vigilant.
“Remember, never open the door for someone you don’t know or accept deliveries from people you aren’t expecting,” Johnson advised on Facebook. “When in doubt, keep them out, and if you feel uncertain or unsafe, contact the police immediately.”
The suspects were described as two younger black males in their 20s.
An Amazon spokesperson informed WJCL 22 News that the two suspects were not affiliated with the company.
“Based off our internal investigation, we can confirm that these individuals were not making a scheduled delivery for Amazon,” the statement read. “We monitor the Internet regularly for unauthorized Amazon apparel and demand that those items are removed when and where we can. People who make deliveries on behalf of Amazon do not routinely knock on doors nor ask customers to sign for packages unless already prearranged.”
