Neighbors were shocked Sunday to find out a local pizzeria proprietor had been terrorized by a gang of thieves who tied him up and set his store on fire.

"It's frightening," says resident Alan Schindler. "It just changes your perspective on your community."

Authorities say four robbers burst in around midnight as the owner of Franco's Restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue in West Caldwell was closing up shop. Police were alerted by the store's fire alarm and managed to rescue the man.

West Caldwell volunteer firefighters were able to quickly get the fire under control. The owner of the strip mall says the damage doesn't look to be "terribly extensive."

Friends of the owner told News 12 New Jersey the man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released.

Police are investigating the attack.

West Caldwell Police Department - 973-226-4114