Sketch Released Of Dangerous Man Wanted For Violent Home Invasion
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Do you recognize this man? It's a composite sketch of a man wanted for a violent home invasion in North Lauderdale.
Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are releasing the sketch in hopes someone will recognize him for the crime that took place the night of Thursday, December 7 at the Hampton Apartments.
It was around 9:00 p.m. when a woman heard a man knocking repeatedly on her front door. She called out to him and told him he had the wrong home, but the man persisted. She quickly regretted opening the door.
"She thought maybe it's someone from the area, she went to the door, opened it, a man forced his way inside," explained BSO spokeswoman Gina Carter.
The attacked turned violent in moments.
"As soon as he made his way into the apartment he pulled out a gun, pointed it at her head and made her go into the bedroom. He had her lie down on the floor as he rummaged through her house, looking for whatever he thought was valuable," said Carter.
After several terrifying moments, the armed burglar fled with several of the victim's belongings. Detectives believe he was driving a red car.
For women and young mothers who live in this neighborhood, it is terrifying to think that someone like this is still out there and so violent, terrorizing someone in their own home.
"I don't want to answer my door now if somebody knocks," said young mother Josete Catapano. "I don't answer my door if anybody knocks. I don't know who's here, who's trying to get in. That's why unless I know you're coming to my house, that's why I wouldn't answer the door."
Detectives are calling this guy a "dangerous man". He's described as a tall male with bumps on his face, which did not appear to be acne. He had a dark complexion and a heavy Jamaican accent. At the time of the home invasion, he wore a gray hoodie, blue sports jacket and black gloves.
"We're sure that because of the clear description that we have and the very good artist rendering, that somebody's going to recognize him. He has a very distinct look, he was driving a red vehicle, this information is enough for someone to know exactly who he is," said Carter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact BSO Det. David Augusti at 954-321-4332 or Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or browardcrimestoppers.org. Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.
