Miami police hit the streets and handed out fliers in hopes of catching a burglar who likes to break into homes and watch over people as they sleep.
The City of Miami Police Department released a sketch Wednesday of the the man they are looking for, who frequents the Flagami area.
He is wanted for multiple break-ins over the last month. Police say so far the subject has never stolen anything, he just stares at people. But now we are learning he's even touched his victims while they sleep.
"The fact that the person has lingered and doesn’t leave until startled, is a bit of a concern and so we want to be on top of it," said Assistant Chief Jorge Colina.
Officers teamed up with community members Thursday night, fanning out across the community with fliers. The goal is to catch this predator who is sneaking into homes, watching people as they sleep, and even touching them until they notice he’s there.
"There’s been an occasion or two where he’s touched someone, not in any sort of sexual overtone, but made physical contact, and will become startled and leave," Colina said.
Investigators say the suspect has broken into more than a dozen homes – likely with their doors or windows unlocked. The crime spree spanning between 27th and 47th Avenues from West Flager to Northwest 11th street.
As officers shared the terrifying details of his crimes – neighbors cringed at the news.
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"I mean, this is terrible news. I’m really concerned about it," said Annie Quenca.
"They gave us a flier and we were like, oh wow, because we live right here, so it’s kind of scary," added Deborah Diaz.
Neighbors actually began handing the fliers out on Monday, and still the prowler managed to strike again the following night.
The all-out search is now a necessity according to police, who think this burglar’s unpredictable behavior could become more dangerous the longer he remains on the streets.
"It’s behavior that we’re not comfortable with. Obviously, any crime concerns us, but when we see this type of behavior, it rises to a different level," said Colina.
Felicia Val said she’s keeping her kids inside and hopes, like many in this nervous neighborhood, the community can come together to catch this dangerous prowler.
"It’s kind of scary. I mean, we have cameras and everything, but even with cameras, he’s still going to do it," Val said. "We have added extra cameras, we have been putting alarms on all that stuff. We don’t even go outside any more, we don’t even go in the backyard either."
The suspect is described as a Spanish-speaking, Latin male, between 5’4" and 5’8", weighing approximately 150 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Miami Police Department’s Burglary Unit at 305-603-6030 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
