A 77-year-old man was robbed of his wallet in his own home Monday night, Winter Haven police say.
The man answered a knock at his door and a clean-shaven black male in his late 30’s – 40’s asked the victim for money because he ran out of gas. The victim pulled out his wallet and told the suspect that he didn’t have much cash. The suspect then asked the victim for a glass of water.
The suspect followed the victim inside of the residence and when the victim opened the refrigerator with his free hand, the suspect grabbed the wallet from the other hand and fled the residence. Thankfully, the victim was uninjured.
During a canvass of neighbors in the area, one stated that a male fitting the description of the suspect was seen walking northbound along the east alley of the Lakeside Self Storage around earlier in the day, around 4 p.m.
The suspect is described as 30-40 years of age, 5’10”, 250 pounds (stocky build), clean shaven, short hair, was last seen wearing a dark short sleeve shirt and dark shorts past his knees (possibly basketball shorts).
“This suspect took advantage of the kindness this victim,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “It should serve as a reminder that no matter what, be cautious in opening the door for anyone you do not know and never allow a stranger inside of your residence.”
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact Winter Haven Police Detective Shane Ditty at 863-401-2256 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
