HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE – In the wake of a home invasion and armed robbery last week in Hidden Valley Lake, the security chief for the gated community reassures residents that his agency is taking extra precautions.

The incident in question took place last Tuesday evening, Oct. 28, as Lake County News has reported.

Hidden Valley Lake residents Kevin Schosek and Wendy Ferrell were in their Park Point Court home when a white male subject, dressed all in black and wearing a ski mask, came through their back door, according to a Lake County Sheriff's Office report.

The subject brandished a semi-automatic pistol in robbing the two before fleeing their home. He is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, with a slender build.

Capt. Jim Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office couldn't be reached late Friday regarding the status of the investigation.

The home invasion and robbery has Hidden Valley Lake residents worried. Hidden Valley Lake Security Chief Charles Russ said he understands their concerns, but reminds them that such incidents are very rare.

“In the 14 years that I have worked here nothing of this magnitude has ever happened before,” he said.

Russ said Hidden Valley Security is working very closely with the ongoing investigation led by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

He said his agency is taking “proactive control,” with extra security patrolling in the areas of concern.

Russ also requested that if residents of Hidden Valley Lake have any questions they should not call the security gates but should dial his office directly at 987-9414.

Concerned citizens may visit the Hidden Valley Lake Association Web site, www.hvla.com, where information is being posted as soon as Hidden Valley Lake officials are aware of it, Russ said.

Anyone with leads in the case should call the sheriff's office investigative branch at 262-4200.

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