Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives ask the public for help in identifying the suspect involved in the sexual assault of an 81-year-old woman in Lauderdale Lakes

Lauderdale Lakes, Florida – The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is urgently asking for the public’s help to identify and locate a man involved in the sexual assault of an elderly woman in Lauderdale Lakes. Detectives with BSO’s Special Victims Unit are actively investigating the case and have released images of the suspect in hopes someone will recognize him.

The disturbing incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 4. Around 4:26 a.m., deputies responded to a sexual assault call near Northwest 50th Avenue and Northwest 34th Street. When officers arrived, they met with the 81-year-old victim, who shared a harrowing account of the attack.

According to investigators, the woman said she was thrown to the ground by an unknown male who then sexually assaulted her. During the assault, she cried out for help, and fortunately, her screams were heard. Two people in the area ran toward the scene and saw the suspect on top of the victim. Their arrival startled the man, who then quickly fled the area.

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The Broward Sheriff’s Office has not yet identified the suspect, but they believe he may be unhoused. Using investigative methods, detectives were able to obtain images of the suspect and are now releasing them to the public in an effort to generate leads.

“We are counting on members of the community to come forward if they have any information at all that can help us identify this suspect,” a BSO spokesperson said.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area at the time of the assault or who recognizes the man in the released images to step forward.

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“This was a violent and heartbreaking crime,” said Detective Arielle Dickey, who is leading the investigation. “We want to find this individual as quickly as possible and prevent him from harming anyone else.”

Those with information are urged to contact Detective Dickey directly at 954-321-4154. Tips can also be submitted through the SaferWatch app. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Broward Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at browardcrimestoppers.org, by calling 954-493-TIPS (8477), or by dialing TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.

As the investigation continues, BSO officials are emphasizing the importance of community involvement and quick action. They are hoping someone recognizes the suspect and helps bring him to justice.

This case remains open and active, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.