Realtor Attacks: Video Shows Person of Interest, Cops Say

The St. Petersburg Police Department has released surveillance video shot at a Walmart store following the Wednesday attacks on two local real estate agents.

The man in the video has been identified as a person of interest in both cases. Detectives “are seeking the public’s help in identifying the man so he can be questioned further,” an email from the agency stated.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 to the tipster who helps police identify their suspect. Police have also released a composite sketch of the man they are looking for along with an audio recording of his voice.

The attacks in question began just before 1 p.m. Wednesday in the 1700 block of Oxford Street North as a female real estate agent was showing a home to a man. The man, police wrote in an email to media, pulled out a gun and proceeded to secure the agent’s hands and feet with zip ties.

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The man, police said, then placed a ransom call to the woman’s husband. After the call was placed, the man left the home and the woman was able to loosen her feet and escape to a nearby home.

The second attack happened just before 2 p.m. as another real estate agent was showing a home to a man at 5800 12th. St. N. In that case, the man pulled out a gun and robbed the woman, police wrote.

Neither woman was injured during the attacks, police department spokeswoman Yolanda Fernandez said. Police have notified the local realtors’ association of the attacks.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS(8477) or visit www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

Image courtesy of the St. Petersburg Police Department