By BSO, SouthFloridaReporter.com, Dec. 30, 2015 – If a woman’s prayers are answered, the man who preyed on her as she was in church will be in jail before year’s end.
Around 1:30 p.m. on December 20, the 84-year-old victim was praying at at Our Lady Queen of Heaven church in North Lauderdale. Surveillance cameras captured as an adult male walked in and sat on a chair against the back wall. He quickly scanned the small room and zeroed in on the victim who had placed her purse on the chair next to her. Initially, it appeared as if he had left the church. After a few seconds, he returned, carefully slid the purse off of the chair and rushed out. The victim noticed that someone had just taken her purse and walked out after him, but the suspect had fled.
Two days later, the lady’s purse was found at a nearby cemetery. Though her purse, phone and house keys were recovered, her money, wallet and other valuables were missing.
When identified, the suspect will be facing a charge of grand theft.
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to contact BSO Dectective Alexander Briz at 954-722-5800 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $3,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
