Police are looking for a man suspected of carjacking a woman in Auburndale Thursday.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Lowe’s Home Improvement store located at 2301 Highway 92 West around 10:40 a.m.
Police said Deborah Cronin was leaving the store with her hands full when she was approached by a man in his 20s or 30s who demanded she hand over her keys.
“He literally came out of nowhere,” Cronin told WFLA. When she refused, he forcefully grabbed the keys and pushed her. “He pushed my shoulder and then yanked my finger,” Cronin said.
Then he got into her SUV and sped off nearly causing a collision.
The vehicle was last seen heading northbound on Berkeley Road in the area of Old Dixie Highway.
Police described the stolen vehicle as a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer with Florida tag number “M718KY.” There is minor damage to the rear bumper and the hitch receiver is missing a ball.
Cronin told News Channel 8 the SUV was her only means of transportation. “Now I’m stuck. I can’t afford a car payment,” she said.
The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male with dark hair and a neck tattoo. He was wearing a black t-shirt, red shorts and a multi-colored patterned baseball cap when the incident occurred.
Police also provided a photo of the white GMC pick-up truck that the suspect was seen in and around prior to the carjacking. Investigators told News Channel 8 that the clutch had gone out and they believe that is why he stole Cronin’s vehicle.
Those with information should call Detective Ryan Astronskas at the Auburndale Police Department at (863)965-5555. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
