Police search for armed beach robber/rapist

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- According to Broward Sheriff's Office police, couples in a South Florida community are being robbed on the beach by a gunman, who even raped one of the victims.

Police said in the last month, four couples enjoying romantic early morning walks on the beach has been robbed at gun point, by a masked man. Authorities said, in one case, a couple was forced to have sex; then, the suspect raped the female victim.

The most recent attack, police said, happened this past Sunday, when a couple from Pennsylvania was robbed. Broward Sheriff's Office Detective Eric Hendel said, "The couple was approached in the early morning hours by a masked man who was armed with a handgun."

BSO police believe the same suspect is responsible for four attacks that happened within two blocks of each other between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. "We have similar MOs in all the cases. Black male wearing a mask, similar stature," Hendel said.

Some residents complained and are upset it took this long for them to be warned, while others said they are not surprised. "I'm not going back on the beach at that time. No. No. I'm going to stay off the beach," Lisa Agett said.

Agett is left feeling grateful her midnight strolls did not end with a gun in her face. "Obviously, it's scary now," Agett confessed.

Many of the residents vow to discontinue their walks on the beach after dark.

Police are worried and hope someone can help them catch the suspect.

If you have any information on these crimes, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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