SANFORD, Fla. – Sanford police are investigating a string of robberies that occurred Monday evening within blocks of each other.
Dave Provencher and Tameasa Shook Provencher told police a man who left the scene on a bicycle stole their wallets and cellphones.
“I had the passenger door open, he stuck a gun in and pointed (it) at us and demanded money from us,” Provencher said.
Sanford police said two other attempted robberies happened before the couple was held up.
A woman called 911 at 7 p.m. and said a man held her up at gunpoint at 11th Street and Palmetto, but he was scared off by her neighbor. The man also took off on a bike, she told police.
A short time later on Sarita Street, another victim reported a man with a gun demanded case but took off on his bike before getting any money, police said.
The finally robbery was on 5th Street and Magnolia Avenue where the Provenchers were robbed at gunpoint, according to Sanford police.
Tamease said she felt sorry for the robber.
“I couldn’t help but think of the desperation he must have been feeling,” she said. “What’s going on in his life that would bring him to a place to take what’s not his?”
The couple said they would pray for the man on the bicycle. Tamease even asked people on Facebook to pray for the man who stole her money and cellphone.
“God does amazing things and he protected us last night,” Dave Provencher said. “He can certainly tune the heart of a young man towards him.”
Investigators are looking into all three incidents, but have not determined if they are related yet.
The robber was riding a BMX-style bicycle, according to witnesses.
Anyone with information can call the Sanford Police Department.