VSO Detectives Seek Armed Robbery Suspect Who Posed as Power Worker

Date Added: December 16, 2022 4:04 pm

Laura Williams, Office of
Public Affairs & Media Relations

VSO DETECTIVES SEEK ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT WHO POSED AS POWER WORKER

Volusia sheriff’s detectives are actively investigating an armed home invasion robbery in DeLand in which a suspect approached an 87-year-old man in his garage, pretending to represent Duke Energy, pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money before fleeing.

The robbery occurred around 1 p.m. Wednesday at a home on Twin Oaks Drive. The victim told deputies the suspect entered his garage and lured the victim out of his home by saying he had tree work to do on the property. The suspect produced papers showing a “work order,” then pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victim, saying: “I want your money.”

The victim complied by handing over money. When the suspect tried to enter the residence, the victim yelled for help, prompting the suspect to flee in a waiting truck driven by a second unknown male suspect. 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Lee via email at RLee@vcso.us or call our non-emergency number, (386) 248-1777. Or call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at (888) 277-8477 (TIPS); or use the P3 crime tip app and you could receive a cash reward.

Residents should ask for identification from utility workers seeking access to their homes. Sometimes criminals work in pairs, with one person distracting the resident while the other goes around to the back of a home. Please call the Sheriff’s Office if you witness something suspicious.