77-Year-Old Escapes Fort Worth Home Invasion; Police Investigate
I can’t stop thinking about what June Gruebel went through that night. Imagine being 77, reliant on a wheelchair, and suddenly hearing the sound of someone breaking into your home. That’s exactly what happened to her in Fort Worth. One moment, she was asleep; the next, her life was in immediate danger.
Cristian Mendez, a 21-year-old man, had forced his way into not just her home but another one nearby. In her living room, he attacked June relentlessly. Police later arrested him and charged him with burglary and attempting to take an officer’s weapon. But in that moment, it was just her versus a violent intruder, and the odds couldn’t have seemed worse.
I want you to picture the scene for a second: a small, quiet house, broken furniture, shattered glass, and a courageous woman fighting for her life. Understanding the raw details isn’t just about shock—it helps us appreciate how vulnerable anyone can be, especially seniors or those with limited mobility. It’s a night that could have ended in tragedy, and it’s a stark reminder of why home safety can never be overlooked.
Brutal Assault Recounted by the Victim
Reading June Gruebel’s account makes it almost impossible to imagine surviving such violence. According to Fox4 News, she was asleep when she heard banging—not just from her home, but her neighbor’s. Her daughter-in-law had accidentally left the front door unlocked, and that small oversight turned into a terrifying moment…