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Around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday, a home invasion with forceful entry was reported at a mobile home off of W. Cardinal Street near U.S. 19.

The 90-year-old male victim told responding deputies that he was sound asleep when a lone masked suspect woke him up, demanding his wallet.

The elderly man said he was disoriented when awakened, and apparently wasn’t fast enough about producing his billfold.

Consequently, the suspect punched the 90-year-old repeatedly, leaving numerous lacerations on his face and arms.  EMS responded and treated him on scene, seeing as the victim refused transport to the hospital.

The elderly man described his attacker as a white male, 25 to 30 years old, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 230 pounds.  He has brown eyes, a husky build and was last seen wearing all black clothing, including a black hood.

The victim ended up showing the suspect where his safe was, and the younger man broke into it and removed at least some of the contents, including cash.

If anyone has information about this crime or the identity of the suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers of Citrus County, Inc., by texting CITRUS plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), clicking on www.crimestopperscitrus.com or calling 1-888-ANY-TIPS toll-free.  Tipsters may remain completely anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.