Home invader robs disabled veteran

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) - Roswell police are looking for a bold burglar who stormed the home of a disabled New Mexico veteran in broad daylight.

Vietnam veteran Jonathan Nowell has not slept since 2:30 p.m. Sunday. That's when he said someone forced their way into his home.

"I heard a light knock on the door, and I answered it," Nowell said.  "He pushed my wheelchair back, and he came in and said I owed $100 to my care keeper."

Nowell said he doesn't owe any money and once inside, the robber pinned him against a wall and ransacked his apartment. The thief then took off with his TV and a cell phone. Because he is in a wheelchair, the veteran was unable to call for help.

"I can't get up," Nowell said. "I can't defend myself. That was the first thing that crossed my mind was, I can't defend myself."

The crook also demanded Nowell's wallet and keys. When he wasn't able to find them, he tried to break his way into the veteran's car to steal it. That's when neighbors heard the commotion and called police.

"He seemed like he was nervous. He didn't know exactly what he was doing," added Nowell.

The robber ran off and is still out there somewhere. Nowell said he is a Hispanic man in his mid 30s with brown hair and eyes. Nowell believes he has a star tattoo on his arm.