LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- In Park Hill, a recent home invasion has residents on high alert. Thursday, intruders beat up a homeowner. They also shot and killed his dog.
The 64-year-old man is alive, but his children say he's scared to death. They broke down his door not just once, but twice in a matter of days.
The Park Hill neighborhood is known for its historic houses and peaceful setting, but Thursday, a crime so terrifying, it's keeping one person away.
"He's not moving back there, he's scared to," says the children of the home invasion victim.
A brother and sister moved their dad out of his house after intruders knocked down his door, and beat him up so badly, he will most likely lose his eye.
"He has several lacerations and he was bleeding and lost a lot of blood," says the son.
Their 64-year-old father told police, three men demanded he show them his safe. When he said he didn't have one, they beat and shot his Labrador that was trying to protect him.
"We had him for ten years and he did his job," says the daughter.
Neighbors say they didn't hear any gun shots or people beating down the door, until the victim came outside yelling for help,
"We saw him walking outside and the neighbor called police," says Charles Duncan.
Duncan didn't see what happened Thursday night, but come Sunday afternoon, Duncan says, "another vehicle seen over there was back and the door kicked in again."
At least one suspect came back leaving in a maroon car. Police and the victim's families believe the 64-year-old was targeted.
"Just a random friend of his and I think they're behind it. I think it was some of their friends," says the son. "I don't think there were any drugs involved. In fact I know there wasn't ."
The family says money was the motive. A reminder that even amidst white picket fences and friendly neighbors, crime can happen.
The victim says the suspects stole items worth $1,000.
North Little Rock police say crime always goes up in the summer. The number of violent crimes compared to last year is about the same. The city had 211 robberies last year, and that includes things like home invasions and shoplifting. So far this year, they've had 83.
The city has had four murders in 2012 and a total of 11 in 2011.
THV's Pam Baccam will have more on todaysthv.com and "Today's THV at 6:00." You can follow Pam on Twitter @pbaccam.