FPD warns citizens to be aware after three incidents

FPD warns citizens to be aware after three incidents

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL - In response to three recent incidents involving an armed offender, the Fernandina Beach Police Department would like the public to be informed, aware and vigilant, especially during the holidays.

The first incident occurred at the Kangaroo Store on Atlantic Avenue at South 11th Street when a masked gun-man entered the store on Friday night, November 14, 2008, and demanded money. The offender fled the store on foot and no vehicle was seen.

The second incident occurred in downtown Fernandina Beach when a woman was approached while behind a downtown business by a masked man brandishing a firearm. Although he demanded money the victim had none on her person and suffered no monetary loss. This offense occurred near midnight on Thursday, November 20, 2008.

The third incident occurred in the Winn Dixie parking lot at the Amelia Plaza in Fernandina Beach at about 7:00 PM on Saturday night, November 22, 2008. The incident occurred while a woman sat in her vehicle awaiting her husband. An unknown white male opened the passenger side door of the vehicle and sat down in the passenger seat while showing a firearm and demanding the victim’s money. The suspect attempted to gain control of the victim’s purse until her husband returned to the vehicle. The husband then struggled with the suspect over control of the firearm until the suspect was able to break free and run to a waiting vehicle.

The suspect was described as a white male, unshaven, approximately 6’0" in height.

Believing that some witnesses may exist, the Fernandina Beach Police Department is asking for anyone that observed the incident at Amelia Plaza or may have information pertinent to this investigation to call immediately.

Although it has not been determined that all three of these incidents are related, detectives are aware of the similarities and are actively working all available leads.

We want our residents and visitors to be aware of any suspicious activity and to take appropriate precautions, but we caution against anyone taking unnecessary risks.

Please call the Fernandina Beach Police Department at 904-277-7342 x 1. Those that wish to remain anonymous can call the First Coast Crime Stoppers @ fccstoppers@bellsouth.net or 1-866-845-TIPS (8477)