Raeford family threatened, robbed in home invasion

RAEFORD - Two men forced their way into the home of a Raeford couple Sunday and threatened to kill their 3-year-old daughter, putting a gun to her head and in her mouth.

It happened at 1:30 p.m. at the home of David and Billie Sue Frye, who live on the 400 block of North Wright Avenue, said Raeford Police Chief Michael Dummett.

Billie Sue Frye answered a knock at the front door, expecting her father-in-law, but two men pushed their way past her and into the house, Dummett said.

The men wore red bandanas over their faces, red toboggans and white T-shirts, Dummett said.

The men pushed Billie Sue Frye to the floor and pistol-whipped her husband as he was getting off the couch, Dummett said.

One of the men then grabbed the toddler, put the gun to her head and then into her mouth, Dummett said.

They demanded to know where the Fryes kept their money, guns and safe, Dummett said.

When the 3-year-old began crying, the men threatened to kill her if the Fryes couldn't get her to stop, Dummett said.

The man holding the child then dropped her, and David Frye stepped between his wife and daughter and the two men, Dummett said.

The men began beating Frye, hitting him in the face repeatedly and kicking him in his torso, the chief said.

As they did, one man said, "I'll show you Raeford thugs," according to Dummett.

One of the men then struck Frye in the face with the butt of a rifle.

They continued to beat Frye as they demanded guns and the personal identification numbers for bank cards. Frye eventually passed out, Dummett said.

The men left, taking six shotguns and a rifle, credit and debit cards and keys, Dummett said.

The men cut the phone cords so the couple could not call for help.

The men threatened to return and kill the family if they called police, Dummett said.

The men are believed to be gang members and acquaintances of the Fryes' 17-year-old son, Dummett said.

David Frye refused to go to a hospital, Dummett said.

"For a crime this violent to happen in broad daylight in a congested neighborhood with such brazen suspects, it shows violent crime is here in Raeford," Dummett said.

Anyone with information should call the Raeford Police Department at (910) 875-4251.