INDIANAPOLIS -- An older couple was assaulted and robbed in their home on Indianapolis' northwest side Thursday morning.

Indianapolis police Sgt. Matt Mount said the incident happened just after 8:30 a.m. in the 3100 block of Salt Lake Road, near Crawfordsville Road and Dandy Trail.

Bill Williams, 74, and his wife, Nancy, told police that they had just gotten back home after a trip to Brownsburg for breakfast when someone knocked at the door.

When Nancy opened the door, a man grabbed and struck her before shoving her into a chair, police said.

"The assailant threw a blanket over her and told her to stay there or she would be dead," Mount said in a news release.

Police said a second attacker then struck Bill Williams in the face and tried to tie him up.

Both men rummaged through the house, taking a small, gray safe that "contained a large amount of cash," and some jewelry.

Neighbors said they were surprised by the attacks.

"I'm shocked this happened. This neighborhood, this is a very quiet neighborhood," said Loma Chan. :I'm very surprised. Oh my goodness, that's scary."

A detailed description of the attackers wasn't available. Police asked anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.