Elderly woman strangled during home invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills; suspects outstanding

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An elderly woman was strangled during a home invasion robbery in the Hollywood Hills overnight, and a search is underway for suspects.

Around 8 p.m Thursday, officers responded to a home on Lookout Mountain Avenue near Wonderland Elementary School, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The suspects demanded property, including money and jewelry, from the victim, then attacked and strangled the woman, police said.

The victim, estimated to be around 70-80 years of age, was taken to a hospital in unknown condition.

Investigators say several suspects described as masked men dressed in black hoodies took off from the home in a white Honda Accord. Detectives believe a large amount of cash and jewelry was stolen.

Robbery-homicide detectives were called in overnight as officers canvassed the neighborhood, looking for any sign of the suspects.

"The sirens were pretty loud. I heard the helicopters so I got worried because my house got broken into not too long ago," said Hollywood Hills resident Chris. "It's a dark street. It's at the top, dead-end street, not many people on it. So, of course, it's like the perfect street for a break-in."

The violent break-in is the latest in a string of recent burglaries and robberies across Southern California and the San Fernando Valley.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass last week ordered additional police patrols in parts of the valley amid heightened concerns among residents and business owners.

City News Service contributed to this report.