NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities have released a sketch of a man who, they said, forced his way inside a woman’s apartment in North Lauderdale and held her at gunpoint before he ransacked the home.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place inside The Hamptons, a large apartment community along Avon Lane, north of West McNab Road, Dec. 7.
Officials said the victim heard repeated knocking on her front door. “She called out, let them know that they had the wrong place,” said BSO spokesperson Gina Carter.
When she opened the door, detectives said, the man pushed his way inside. “[He] pulled out a gun, put it at the back of her head and made her go to the back of the apartment,” said Carter.
Investigators said the subject pushed a gun to the victim’s head and forced her into her bedroom. He then forced her to lie on the floor while he searched through her room for valuables.
The armed thief fled shortly after with several of the victim’s belongings. “After several terrifying moments, the man did leave the apartment. He left in a red vehicle,” said Carter.
Detectives said the subject has a tall frame and bumps on his face that do not appear to be acne. He also spoke with a thick Jamaican accent.
“We have a very good description of him, as well as an artist sketch, which we are releasing now in the hopes that somebody’s going to recognize him,” said Carter.
At the time of the burglary, officials said, the thief was wearing a gray hoodie, a blue sports jacket and black gloves.
Area residents said they hope the man is caught quickly. “I just pray to God they find this guy — and soon,” said resident Phyllis Haberman.
When asked whether the home invasion surprised me, Richard Haberman replied, “Kind of, yeah. This area is normally pretty peaceful.”
Phyllis doesn’t quite see it this way. “Nothing surprises me anymore. In this world, everything is getting worse,” she said.
She added that it’s up to alert residents to bring this armed thief to justice. “We don’t need any more crime,” she said. “We have to clean up. We have to talk, to say, when you find out who it is, turn the guy in.”
If you have any information on this home invasion, 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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