A violent home invasion just before 7 a.m. on July 5 has the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers asking for the public’s help.

According to a news release from Trish Routte, the coordinator for Crime Stoppers, the victim was in bed when she heard loud banging at the front door of her Gardner Avenue home.

She heard men yelling “police,” which caused her to go to the door to see what was happening. As she walked out of her bedroom, the victim was surprised by two Hispanic men, both wearing black masks, black sweatsuits and black gloves, the victim told detectives.

According to Routte, the men pushed her back into the bedroom and tied her hands and ankles with zip ties. They told her not to move or she would be hurt.

One of the men held a silver knife with a red handle against her throat, while the second man ransacked the house. Taken during the robbery was a handgun, jewelry and four designer purses, as well as several other items.

According to Routte, the men were even bold enough to steal the woman’s wedding ring from her hand before they fled.

If you live in the area of Gardner Avenue or were passing through, you may have noticed something different or saw unusual activity, Routte said. Or you may have heard people talking about who did it.

Both men spoke Spanish, in which is believed to possibly be a Cuban dialect.

If you have any information on the suspects, you are urged to call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

All calls are anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

You can also submit a tip at: www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or text information to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.

Routte said no surveillance photos are available at this time.

Crimes like this terrorize victims in horrible ways, Routte said.

No information was provided by officials as to how the men gained entry into the home. Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows locked and secured.

If you hear someone banging on your door, do not open the door unless you know them.

Have a phone on hand and call 911 immediately if the people do not leave your property.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office advises that you never open your front door to strangers.