Dina Manzo, a former series regular on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and her millionaire boyfriend were violently beaten during a home invasion at their New Jersey townhouse on Saturday night.
According to multiple outlets, the horrifying incident took place around 11 p.m.
Police confirm that Manzo and David Cantin were met by a pair of masked thieves when they entered their residence in the town of Holmdel.
The robbers had already broken in at the time of Manzo and Cantin’s arrival.
Cops said the invaders “rushed towards” the couple as soon as they opened the front door to their three-bedroom home on Bayan Boulevard.
Cantin was struck several times with a baseball bat by one of the men, while Manzo was repeatedly punched by the other, authorities say.
“Dina and David are obviously shaken up from the traumatic and violent home invasion and robbery,” their lawyer, Andrew B. Brettler, tells People Magazine.
Following the ugly beatdown, the thieves tied up Manzo and Cantin before making off with personal belongings, such as cash and jewelry, according to a release from the prosecutor’s office.
After the victims managed to free themselves, they called the Holmdel Township Police Department, which proceeded to launch a joint investigation into the attack and robbery with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
The two were taken to a local hospital following the incident.
Cantin suffered “significant” injuries to his face, including a broken nose, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Manzo, meanwhile, was treated for facial injuries; both were treated and released after several hours under doctor’s supervision and care.
“No one should ever have to go through what they did,” Brettler adds.
“They are grateful to law enforcement and the other emergency responders and appreciate everyone’s concern and well wishes.”
The former Bravo star and Cantin started dating last year.
They were in town in order to attend a First Communion party for fellow The Real Housewives of New Jersey personality Teresa Giudice’s daughter, Audriana earlier that evening.
“Celebrating my Audriana’s 1st communion,” Manzo wrote as a caption to the photo above.
Neither Manzo nor Cantin responded to calls for comment on this story.
Police say they are still looking for suspects.
“Both assailants had their faces covered during the attack and robbery,” reads an official police statement.
It continues:
“After the victims were bound, the two assailants stole personal property from the victims, including cash and jewelry, and fled the scene.”
In a statement released to Entertainment Tonight through her attorney, James Leonard, Giudice expressed shock and sadness over what transpired.
“I am very shaken by what has happened and very concerned for my friend, who I love like a sister,” she said. “I hope that whoever did this is caught and punished.”
We feel the same.
