LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have released surveillance footage after an elderly woman was carjacked outside of a Walmart in Lauderdale Lakes.
Surveillance video from Jan. 15 shows three teens in knit caps walking behind the victim inside the Walmart, located at 3001 N. State Road 7.
“The subjects are really young. They’re teenagers,” said Broward Sheriff’s Office Representative Gina Carter. “l know only that it was short young kids.”
Broward Sheriff Office deputies said they followed her into the store.
The victim later went outside and was approaching her parked car when she was attacked by the teens, who weren’t far behind.
They pointed a gun at the elderly woman who complied with their demands. “‘Give me the key!'” she said.
She said the carjackers were so young, she initially thought their demands were a joke.
The thieves took off in her 2015 Toyota Corolla, but not before nearly hitting her as they pulled out of the parking lot.
The victim’s car was later found by deputies abandoned. It was later impounded.
Deputies are now searching for the trio. “Clearly they had a plan. They knew what they were doing,” said BSO spokesperson Gina Carter. “They had a weapon, which is extremely unusual for a teenager to have, so we need to find these guys right away. They’re really dangerous.”
No injuries were reported.
“They’re targeting the most vulnerable — elderly citizens, an elderly woman shopping alone,” said Carter. “Lastly, they have a weapon. They have a gun they have no problem brandishing.”
“All bad things come from stupidity. Get an education, get a good job, and you don’t need to rob someone like me,” said the victim.
BSO believes the carjacking was planned in advance and said the subjects had visited the Walmart earlier that day as well as previous days.
If you have any information on this carjacking, 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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