Police Are Searching For Man Who Robbed, Attacked Woman In South Tampa
Tampa police are actively searching for a man who robbed and kidnapped a woman in the 900 block of South Howard Avenue early Saturday morning.
According to police, the woman was returning to her car around 2:10 a.m. after being out with friends when the attack occurred. An unidentified man came up behind her and struck her in the head to the point she lost consciousness. The man then robbed and moved her from the scene, but it’s unclear what exactly was taken.
“A male suspect approached her, violently hit her, pushed her inside the vehicle, and drove away with her inside the car. He robbed the victim and then left her inside the vehicle,” Janelle McGregor, Tampa Police Department spokesperson, told WFLA.
The attack is unusual for the area. The 900 block of S. Howard, also known as “SoHo,” contains popular businesses like Daily Eats and Green Lemon. The area is also very popular for college students on the weekends.
“Biggest concern is how brazen it was to do it right here. There is a lot of foot traffic here. It is pretty well lit. There are people walking up and down here all the time so it’s a little concerning,” said Kevin O’Brien, who works in SoHo, to WFLA.
The woman’s identity has not been released yet, but police say she is safe now with minor injuries.
The suspect was described as a heavy set black male, with short hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and dark athletic shoes.
Surveillance video of the suspect released by Tampa Police.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in this case. Anyone with information and wants to be eligible for the cash reward is asked to call 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). To report anonymously visit www.crimestopperstb.com. Or call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130.
