Incident Overview
A violent home invasion took place in East Bethesda, Montgomery County, where a mother and her daughter were brutally attacked. The incident occurred around 8 PM when a woman, identified as Latoya Owens, broke into their house.
The Attack
Linda and her daughter Kristen were at their home when the doorbell rang. Upon answering, Kristen encountered Owens asking for a man named Sean Paul. After being told he did not live there, Owens attempted to break in through the front door. Kristen saw the door handle shaking and called 911. Realizing the back door was unlocked, she rushed to secure it, but Owens forced her way in, attacking Kristen and then Linda, who came downstairs upon hearing the commotion.
Victims’ Ordeal
Kristen suffered a ruptured eardrum and bruises on her face, while Linda sustained bruises and rug burns. Both managed to escape outside and sought help from a neighbor, who also called 911. The attack was described as bizarre and frightening, with Kristen fearing for their lives.
Police Response and Suspect Information
Montgomery County Police received multiple emergency calls about the incident. Neighbors detained Owens until police arrived. Owens, a 40-year-old woman with no fixed address, was charged with burglary and assault. Due to her violent behavior, her bond hearing was delayed for a mental health evaluation, and she is currently held without bond.
Aftermath and Community Reaction
The victims expressed their gratitude that the situation did not escalate further, especially as Kristen’s brother was not home during the invasion. The community has been shaken by the incident, highlighting concerns about safety and mental health issues in such violent crimes.
