HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - A homeowner’s security system caught a burglar trying to break into their house before she fired shots at the intruder.
On Wednesday, the man was seen attempting to pry the door open at a Hollywood house located near 4200 Polk St., with possibly a crow bar, just before 8:30 a.m.
The doorbell worked with an app on the homeowner’s cell phone, which allowed for remote surveillance. The man was caught on camera and is described as a black male with facial hair, a slender build and last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt that may have the numbers “8732” on the front. He also wore a gold necklace.
After the burglar was unable to gain entry at the front door, he went around to the side of the home. According to Hollywood Police, the homeowner fired a shot at the would-be burglar.
The burglar fled and may have jumped inside a black Chevrolet Impala.
Police said they do not believe the suspect was hit by a bullet, but it was enough to scare him away.
7News crews showed the video to neighbors who were shocked that this happened right next door.
The resident’s neighbors said she was well in her right to defend her home. “Absolutely, what you gonna do?” said neighbor Vicent Carpone. “You gotta be able to defend yourself. I’ve been on alert for a while. I have a dog, so he’s pretty good at alerting me if anybody is around.”
Carpone said this isn’t the first time a home break-in has happened in their Hollywood neighborhood. “There’s these homeless people in a 12-step program nearby and also, I supposed, drugs,” he said. “There could be a little bit of everything, I guess, like today’s society.”
One man said he recently moved his family in next door and is upset by the news. “I’m shocked right now,” he said. “This cannot happen next to our door.”
If you have any information on this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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