Same man may be behind series of robberies and burglaries

A man who robbed and pistolwhipped a Deerfield Beach resident Monday is thought to be the same person who committed two other robberies along the same road — including one that happened as a woman was showering inside her home.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Tuesday released a composite sketch of the robber who investigators think may be in his late teens or early 20s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and has short, curly hair and a mustache.

In the most recent case, a 38-year-old man was putting some items inside his car outside his home along the 400 block of Lock Road about 7:20 a.m. Monday when he noticed someone walk past him. A short time later, according to the sheriff’s office, the same person came back — but with a multi-colored bandana covering his face and a silver pistol in his hand.

The man was hit in the head with the handgun and his wallet was snatched.

Because of the thief’s description and location of the crimes, investigators think the same man is responsible for two home invasion robberies that took place — also along Lock Road — in late August:

On Aug. 22, a woman was showering inside her home when a bandana-wearing man armed with a small, black handgun confronted her saying “give me the money, I need the money.” As the man ransacked her roommate’s bedroom, the woman, 39, ran naked from her apartment crying for help at the door of a neighbor who called police. The burglar got away with car keys and electronics.

Two days later, a man leaving his apartment was forced back inside by an armed man wearing a bandana. The gunman tied up the man and his wife by their hands and feet and spent about an hour stuffing items into a gray duffel bag. He got away with computers, cellphones, tablets, jewelry and other items worth an estimated $10,000

The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information about these crimes or the man’s identity to contact Robbery Detective Mark Copley at 954-321-4270. Tips can also be made, anonymously, to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.

Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.

CARLINE JEAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER An armed robbery victim speaks at the Broward Sheriff’s Office after he was held up on Lock Road in Deerfield Beach. The Broward Sheriff’s Office thinks the same person may be responsible for up to three robberies.

COURTESY A Broward Sheriff ’s Office composite sketch of the suspect.