JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Thursday released surveillance photos of a man accused of attacking and robbing an elderly man at a Jacksonville Beach home on Monday.
According to the police report, the victim said the man knocked on his door, asked for money, knocked him to the ground and then stole cash and a credit card out his pocket.
The day after the home invasion, according to police, surveillance captured the man using the victim’s credit card at the Walmart on Beach Boulevard at Hodges Boulevard.
The report shows the victim recognized the man as someone he hired to do handiwork for him in the past. A witness also told police that the man has shown up at the house before when the victim was alone.
News4Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said it appears the victim was targeted.
“It appears that he was preying on him because he had been there time and time again and he just randomly popped up," Jefferson said.
Jefferson said the home invasion is a reminder to always be cautious of who you hire to do work at your home. He said it’s best to never hire a handyman who knocks on your door looking for work.
“Ask a lot of questions. Most of them that knocks on your door are not certified. They’re not licensed. So you’re placing yourself in a vulnerable position of liability if you hire them to do something major at your home," Jefferson said. "You need to be cautious of that.”
He added that if you do hire someone, check if they’re licensed or if they’re listed on the Better Business Bureau.
Police said the victim was shaken up but is doing OK after the attack.
Anyone who recognizes the man seen pictured in the surveillance images or who has information about his whereabouts is asked to email tipline@jaxbchfl.net.