Hispanic Community Arming Itself After Rash Of Home Invasions

Vance County Sheriff Thomas Breedlove thinks someone is going to get killed.

"Everyone is asleep, and it's quiet," Breedlove said. "Suddenly, the door is kicked open, and they run into the house and take over."

The masked men have kicked down the doors of eight Vance County homes and held the families at gunpoint. People on the streets are afraid they are going to be next.

Alan Hedgepeth, a Henderson detective, says the group is targeting Hispanics.

"They have become aware that many Hispanics are keeping large amounts of cash on their person and in their residences," Hedgepeth says.

The Hispanic community in Henderson is getting ready to fight back.

"They are arming themselves," Breedlove said. "They are buying permits from us to purchase handguns."

The next home invasion could turn into a gun battle.

"I'm afraid someone is going to kick in a door and meet a blast from a weapon," Breedlove said.