POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police released surveillance video footage, Wednesday, of a home invasion at the apartment of a spiritual counselor.
Two armed men broke into the apartment on July 16, at Southwest Ninth Street in Pompano Beach. Police said the men targeted the apartment because they thought there would be cash there.
“These men are extremely dangerous. Not only are they armed. They’re not afraid to use physical violence to get what they want,” said Gina Carter of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. “They targeted this victim thinking he would have a lot of cash in his home.”
Vladimir Garcia lives in the apartment with his wife and does spiritual counseling as a Santería priest.
As Garcia counseled a couple, his client answered a knock at the door and the men barged in waving their guns.
“They forced everyone to get on the ground,” Garcia said. “Then they used wires and cables to tie everyone up. When the victim hesitated to give them what they wanted, they began to beat them up.”
Deputies said the burglars disconnected the surveillance system before they beat up the victim. They then fled in a White SUV with cash, jewelry, electronics and keys.
Neighbors said they had no idea what happened nearby.
One neighbor said, “It’s bad that we’re already living in fear that someone can do something out there. With your bag, you can’t even go on the street. I’m afraid of all of the incidents that are out there.”
“Oh, my God!” said another neighbor when shown the surveillance footage.
“I’ll tell you what: I’m moving in two weeks, I’m really glad,” said another neighbor. “That’s pretty scary.”
Garcia no longer lives at the apartment. The armed men threatened to “come back and kill the victim,” according to Carter.
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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