'We felt like prisoners in our home': Raleigh family victims of crime twice in nine months

It comes after April Manns said she and her husband were robbed at gunpoint in front of their 7-year-old daughter on May 23, 2022, in the parking lot of their townhome community near Anderson Point Park.

“All I could think about was my daughter watching as I lie on the ground covered in blood,” Manns said. “That’s all I could imagine.

“It was the scariest moment of my life.”

On Feb. 11, Manns' car disappeared in the dark of night from right outside her home.

“We felt like prisoners in our home,” Manns said.

Manns said she is always worried the robbers would come back. They had so many of her personal belongings, including her house key and the key fob for her car. She said her family lived in fear.

“It was like my life flashed before my eyes,” Manns said.

Years ago, the Manns family moved from Baltimore to get away from crime and violence. They thought they found the perfect place with white picket fences in east Raleigh.

“I felt violated, twice,” Manns said. “I just don’t want this to happen to anybody.”

Manns described the May 2022 robbery, which happened while the family was unloading groceries from their car in the parking lot of their townhome.

“He walked behind us and brandished a gun and was like ‘Don’t cause a scene, give me everything you’ve got,’” Manns said.

A Raleigh police report shows the robbers got away with more than $2,000 worth of belongings.

“I just held my head down, [and] gave him my purse,” Manns said. “Everything was in it – my car keys, ID, social security card, everything.”

Manns also described the February incident were her car was stolen.

“They were able to take the car without anyone hearing or seeing it,” Manns said.

Manns said she believes the thief or thieves had the key fob to her 2022 Honda Accord.

“The car is pretty much impenetrable without that key fob,” Manns said.

Manns said she did not think to change her car locks before it was too late. Also, she said she didn't know car insurance could help pay for replacement keys.

Manns also said she got her conceal and carry permit to feel safer.

On Feb. 27, police discovered the stolen car – dented, scratched and abandoned – on a street near Durham.

“Unfortunately, it’s been involved in several crimes,” Manns said. “So, I still can’t have my car.”

Manns and her family are now living about 45 minutes outside Raleigh. She is sharing her story as a warning to others to take precautions to prevent becoming a target for criminals.

“The wheel lock, the cameras, never letting your guard down [and] watch your surroundings,” she said. “If something seems off, pay attention.”

Durham police said the officers who found Manns' car knew it was stolen based on a be-on-the-lookout alert that went out. So far, police have not made any arrests for the robbery or stolen car, and they have not said whether the two crimes are linked.

Raleigh police said robberies targeting people were down 15% in 2022 compared to the year before.

WRAL anchor has car stolen. She's among thousands affected by rising property crime so far this year

If your car keys are stolen, contact the police and file a report for your stolen car keys. Police will handle the investigation part of it.

Meanwhile, reach out to your car dealership, a locksmith or a mechanic for replacement car keys or auto locks.