Mayor: suspects knew 96-year-old's home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Mayor Byron Brown says the suspects who broke into a 96-year-old man's home and attacked him knew the man's residence and what was inside.

The home invasion left Levi Clayton with a broken jaw and other injuries, leaving his community stunned that someone would hurt the longtime church deacon.

Mayor Brown noted, "It is very important to note that this was not a random act of violence. We believe that these attackers knew the house, and knew the contents of the home."

The suspects broke into the home Saturday on Longview Avenue.  Police are looking for three persons of interest seen on surveillance video. Ellicott District Councilmember Darius Pridgen, who is also pastor of True Bethel Baptist Church, met with police officials about the case. Pridgen says detectives are working some leads, and says he'll wait before offering a reward.

"I've been informed that the police department is working aggressively on this case," Pridgen said.

Brown added, "The police will not sleep until this case is solved."

The mayor recently visited with the senior citizen, who's listed in good condition at the Erie County Medical Center.

"It seems like he is getting better and stronger. There was some conversation. I don't want to go to much into that. But we were able to communicate to some degree," Mayor Brown said.

Former Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark thinks an arrest will be made without the need for surveillance pictures. He's convinced someone in the community knows something.

"I'll bet you my mortgage that there are people out there that know it. It's just a question of having them come forward," he said.

And that's precisely what Pastor Pridgen is hoping will happen.

"He's 96-years-old, and to those who may be watching or know someone who knows someone, do the right thing. Turn yourself in," Pridgen said.

If and when an arrest and conviction is made, those responsible could be looking at 25 years behind bars.