Hollywood neighborhood uneasy as police investigate several robberies

People living in a Hollywood neighborhood are feeling uneasy after a string of robberies and a recent incident that led to a lockdown at a high school.

The residents in the North Lake neighborhood said they feel helpless after someone has been terrorizing their community and robbing people. Hollywood Police said they’re investigating three robberies involving the same suspect.

Denise Fisher believes the same suspect robbed her last month.

“I just feel uneasy, unsafe,” Fisher said. “I’m like, really, is this happening? I was in shock.”

She was backing out of her driveway when someone opened her passenger door and stole her purse, she said. Fisher drove to the bank to close her accounts and went to file a police report.

“My main concern was just to get away from here because I didn’t want to be here at that time,” Fisher said.

Last Wednesday, Nathan Eldred Banks said he was inside his building when he encountered the same person. When Banks told him to leave, the guy tried to steal his bag.

“We had a back-and-forth tug of war, he was telling me to let go, I was telling him to let go,” Banks said. “I was super shocked when it happened, like oh my God, he’s trying to take my stuff.”

Banks said after a struggle, the guy let go and ran away.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever felt unsafe,” Banks said.

Shortly after, nearby South Broward High School went on lockdown as a precaution. Hollywood Police confirmed they were investigating an incident they believed was associated with the suspect.

“I could hear the chatter of them doing everything they could to try and track this man down,” Banks said. “I’m obviously really concerned. I know he’s also had a couple of encounters in my building and people in the area.”

The community is now on edge, but they’re not staying quiet.

“That’s one reason why I’m doing the interview, hoping this helps get him caught,” Fisher said. 

Police have not identified who the suspect is yet.

Hollywood Police asks that if you have any pictures or videos, send them to their detectives who are working the case.