By: Sharon Aron Baron
Detectives are searching for a man who stole almost $2,000 worth of power tools by making his escape through the garden center of a Home Depot.
Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are releasing surveillance video in the hopes of identifying the suspect from a North Lauderdale Home Depot located at 1195 S. State Road 7.
The theft occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on July 11, 2019. The suspect is seen walking into the store pushing an empty shopping cart. After loading the cart, he passes all points of sale and casually slips out through the garden center exit.
A loss prevention officer tries to stop him, but the crook escapes with a paint gun, two leaf blowers, a trimmer, and batteries.
The suspect was wearing a multi-shade red and black striped short-sleeved shirt with beige shorts and red sneakers. He’s believed to be approximately 35 years old, between 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing between 180 and 220 pounds. He was seen leaving the parking lot in a light-colored beige, four-door older model vehicle, possibly a Mercury.
Anyone with information is asked to contact BSO North Lauderdale Detective Justin Panza at (954) 720-2250 ext. 218 or call Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.