COOPER CITY, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are investigating a number of attempted burglaries and the attempted sexual battery of a 7-year-old girl that all took place in a Cooper City neighborhood.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office on Monday released the footage of a subject seen walking down a street in the Flamingo Lakes Townhomes community at around 5:30 a.m., Monday.
A 16-year-old was later arrested and charged with attempting to break into one home, though no arrests have been made in the remaining break-ins.
BSO is also investigating the attempted sexual battery of a 7-year-old girl that took place in the neighborhood. No arrests have been made in that case either.
Homeowner James Leffler told 7News he believes his home may have been a target for a potential break-in. He said his protective German Shepherd alerted him to something unusual.
“It had to have been in the early morning,” Leffler said. “The sliding door was cracked a few centimeters and then our back gate was open, and then I saw him pinned at the door, so usually, you know, something’s wrong if somebody’s out there.”
Leffler said when he later received the BSO bulletin he realized his home had been targeted, and his dog likely scared the subject away.
“He might growl, but he’ll wait for you to come in before he does anything,” he said.
The subject was last seen wearing what appears to be a multicolor shirt, lighter colored pants and dark shoes.
Detectives said they want to identify the man.
Julian Padua said he has lived at the Flamingo Lakes Townhomes community for more than 30 years and saw deputies going door to door.
“They walked the whole development. They were looking for signs, I think the guy cut the screen and got in,” said Padua. “I hope if they find something, they will let the community know, so we know the guy has been caught.”
If you have any information on the subject or his whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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