FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are on the hunt for a man as they work to solve a sexual assault case that has a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood on edge.
Fort Lauderdale Police are hoping someone will recognize the individual captured on a surveillance image they released. They said they want to identify and talk to this man, but they stressed that he is not a suspect at this point.
Investigators said the man may have attempted to break into a home in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, but they wonder whether he might know anything about the sexual assault of a woman at the Pine Crest Apartments along Northeast 18th Avenue, at around 7:30 p.m., Friday.
Residents of the complex spoke with 7News this past weekend in the condition of anonymity.
“This is scary because sometimes I go to work and my wife stays by herself,” said one of the residents.
“This just is terrible,” said another resident.
An area resident who spoke with 7News on Thursday was surprised by the incident.
“Amazing it happened, because it’s a safe neighborhood. Everyone is safe in here,” said the resident.
But not on that night.
Detectives said the subject was armed when he broke into the unit. They said he threatened to kill and then sexually assaulted the woman inside.
Speaking through a translator, a neighbor said she’s sad about the attack because the victim has cancer.
That neighbor added that the assailant dragged the woman from one room to another as he threatened her.
“She says it’s hard because for any woman by herself, it’s terrifying,” said the translator as the neighbor spoke.
Police later obtained the surveillance still of the man they’re seeking from a nearby surveillance camera. They said they want to have a conversation with this man who, they said, was spotted loitering in a nearby neighborhood and fits the general description of the subject in Friday’s incident.
“We need more security in this neighborhood,” said one of the residents.
Police described the subject as a man in his mid-30s who stands about 6 feet tall or taller, is clean-shaven, has dreadlocks down to his neck and has a muscular build.
If you have any information on this case that could help investigators, 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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