FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a crook who, along with four others, robbed a man at gunpoint in Fort Lauderdale and attacked a witness who captured the incident on video.
Fort Lauderdale Police said the victim was walking along the 200 block of Southwest Fifth Avenue at approximately 4:22 a.m. on Sunday.
As the victim walked west on Southwest Second Street, he was approached by a group of five crooks.
Police said he was punched from behind by one of the suspects.
Another suspect brandished a gun and demanded the victim give up his belongings.
A man who identified himself as Diego said he was out in the Himmarshee neighborhood with his girlfriend when he witnessed the robbery.
“I just saw these guys. I don’t know, they were like screaming or something,” he said.
Diego said he took out his digital camera and began recording the incident.
“It was so fast it happened, and I just saw these guys, like kicking this guy in the floor, like taking all their stuff,” he said.
The footage shows the suspects holding one of the victims down while they stole his wallet, phone and even his Air Jordans.
The crooks then noticed Diego was recording them.
“They punched me behind my head. They took my phone, and they ran.” said Diego.
Diego said the robbers were under the impression that he was using his phone to record the incident
“They didn’t see my camera that I was filming with. I threw it in the bushes,” he said.
The victim was left lying on the ground as the suspects fled with his possessions.
“I was like, ‘Oh, that’s really messed up,'” said Diego.
Four of the crooks were located shortly after and taken into custody. They are facing multiple charges, including robbery with a firearm and battery causing bodily harm.
“It’s messed up because they’re taking advantage of people, you know?” said Diego. “That’s very messed up.”
The man detectives continue to search for could be seen in the video wearing a blue T-shirt with a large white Ralph Lauren icon, black, light wash jeans and blue and white sneakers. He is seen grabbing one of the victim’s sneakers.
“We are looking for an additional suspect. In the video he can be seen wearing a blue T-shirt,” Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Casey Liening said. “We’re asking anyone that knows this person or who have information regarding this incident to contact our detectives immediately.”
The victim who was targeted said he’s shaken up but is doing OK.
If you have any information on this armed robbery or the fifth robber’s whereabouts, 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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