Scamster Strikes in Tamarac

On January 14, Barbara Patrick of Beechfern Circle in Tamarac heard a knock. She opened the door to see a polite, well-dressed stranger -- he looked like the guy in the drawing on the right. We'll let the BSO release take it from here.The tall, slender visitor told her he...

By Thomas Francis

January 22, 2010

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On January 14, Barbara Patrick of Beechfern Circle in Tamarac heard a knock. She opened the door to see a polite, well-dressed stranger -- he looked like the guy in the drawing on the right. We'll let the BSO release take it from here.

The tall, slender visitor told her he needed to check her water for acid. He grabbed two of her cooking pots, filled one with water and added some cleaner from under her kitchen sink. He told her there was acid in the water and directed her to put her hand in the water to test it. When she got some of the solution on her jewelry, he poured milk and water in the second pot and directed her to put her rings and bracelets in the pot.

Then he said he had to go outside to test the jewelry, but he never came back.

Back to the release:

Witnesses said he drove a white Ford F-150 pickup with a loud exhaust and a work box behind the cab. BSO sketch artist John McMahon created a composite sketch of the suspect, who has light brown hair and wore beige clothing.

Anyone with information about this suspect can contact BSO Det. Michael Colantuno at (954) 720-2225 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.

Note: A previous version of this post contained the word gypsy. It's been edited for cultural sensitivity.

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