October 22, 2009
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES DELEON SPRINGS ARMED ATTACK

A 75-year-old man was assaulted in his DeLeon Springs home Friday by two men, one of whom had a gun. The victim said that he was tied up, but no shots were fired and no one was injured. The robbers’ target was a safe that they loaded into a vehicle and hauled away.

The robbery happened at 5060 Central Avenue at approximately 11:20 a.m. The two suspects barged in through the back door and held the victim at gunpoint while they tied him up. The pair then picked up a heavy safe and walked out the back door with it and loaded it into a waiting vehicle. Once his assailants were gone, the man was then able to free himself and call for help.

The suspects were described as Hispanic men. The suspect with the handgun was in his 40s, had dark hair, and wore sunglasses and a light blue denim jacket with dark pants. The pants had a large belt buckle. The other man had dark hair and wore a T-shirt and light-colored pants. The suspects’ vehicle is believed to be a white, four-door vehicle – possibly a Nissan – with dark tinted windows.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact investigator Todd Raible (386) 943-7866 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at 1-888-277-TIPS. Residents can also text a tip by texting “TIP231 plus the message” to CRIMES. Tipsters who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.