Police believe that the intruder who broke into a Lakewood couple's home and beat them entered through a garage window.



The intruder broke into the home in the Fairways at Lake Ridge development around midnight Aug. 29, Lakewood police spokesman Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said.

A short time later, the intruder confronted the couple and demanded money. During the robbery, he assaulted both, possibly with a flashlight, Staffordsmith said.

Ocean County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Al Della Fave previously said the victims were Frederick "Rob" Robison, 66, and his wife, Patty, 64. Rob Robson is the leader of a residents group vehemently opposing a controversial proposed large-scale development.

Earlier sources told NJ Advance Media that when Rob Robison went to investigate after the lights went out in their home, he was hit in the head with a blunt object. His wife was then attacked, and both were bound with duct tape.



Both suffered significant head injuries, Staffordsmith said.



The intruder fled from the home in the victims' car, which was later found in the Highpoint Condominium Complex.



The Lakewood Police Department briefly searched the victim's home to investigate the break-in. They were finished by 3 p.m. Friday, Staffordsmith said.

Police are continuing to investigate, police have not yet identified a suspect in the the break-in and assault.

Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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