Robber Roughs Up 84-Year-Old Man Patrick Forbes

A man bursts into the home of an 84-year-old World War II veteran, ties him up and robs him. DeKalb County police said it happened Tuesday in the 4400 block of Briarcliff Road. Police said they have pictures of the culprit.

Victim Patrick Forbes said he didn't know danger was on the other side of his door Tuesday when he went to answer the doorbell.

"'Do you want to die? Do you want to die?' His eyes just like that," remembers the 84-year-old.

Forbes still has a bruise on his head where he says a home invader struck him Tuesday.

"He crashed the door open and brought down this awful hammer on my head," he said.

Forbes said the terror didn't stop there. The suspect tied him up with duct tape and wires and ransacked his home.

Forbes said the man took his deceased wife's jewelry, his debit card and his car, and left with a waing.

"He said, 'I'm coming back if you don't give me the right PIN. Do you want to die?'"

DeKalb County police have released pictures of the culprit attempting to use Forbes debit card.

As the suspect allegedly withdrew money, the World War II veteran – while still tied up -- managed to tip his chair and get to a phone to call for help.

"I fell on that side, managed to get the cord with my pinkie finger. Very lucky," said the victim.

Forbes hopes the pictures will lead police to the suspect. He said he doesn't want anyone else to go through what he did.

"I've never been treated like that in my life," he said.

Forbes' car is still missing. It's a 1979 gold Lincoln Continental, license plate AEN 4112. Anyone with information on the car, or suspect is asked to call police.