HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - An investigation is underway in Hollywood after a suspect was seen breaking into cars at an apartment complex.
Hollywood Police received a call about the break-ins along the 1000 block of Hillcrest Court, at around 2:20 a.m. on Friday.
Surveillance video at the apartment complex showed the suspect breaking into one vehicle and then using a flashlight to grab anything he could find inside.
“They usually use a screwdriver, and since it’s tempered glass, it just breaks,” said Joaquin, who was called to fix the vandalized cars. “Some cars have laminated glass in the front, so they will try to break the front. Since it cracks and doesn’t shatter, they will go for the one in the back.”
Joaquin told 7News that calls from car owners have been on the rise.
“This been happening every week,” he said. “We get cars all week. It’s always communities with 10 to 15 cars. Sometimes they [vandals] are looking for guns.”
While the suspect was breaking into cars, a waiting getaway car followed close behind him.
According to officers, a condo owner witnessed the suspected burglar and discharged a firearm with warning shots.
After the condo owner fired their weapon, the man was seen jumping into the getaway car and fleeing the scene.
7News spoke to someone whose car was hit by a bullet but didn’t want to be identified.
“Nervous, I thought somebody was going to break into my house,” said the man. “When I came back from work, I speak to the cops, because I have broken glass in my house, to let them know that a bullet hit my glass.”
Another man said this type of incident happens frequently.
“It’s been happening every week all around,” said the man. “They break inside of cars and also some brands of cars like Kia and Hyundai. They like them more because they are easy to get on the lock of the car and try to get the car and steal it from the owner.”
Police said the burglar caused thousands of dollars in damages.
No injuries were reported.
Friday night, detectives with the Hollywood Police Department responded to Jackson Memorial Hospital where a shooting victim arrived, possibly connected to the car break-ins.
If you have any information on these burglaries, 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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