Deputies release sketch of suspect in armed carjacking at Florida Mall

Deputies are hoping a recently released sketch will lead them to the man responsible for an armed carjacking at the Florida Mall on Wednesday night.Around 9 p.m. a woman was walking to her car, which was parked outside of Nordstrom's, when a man forced her into her black Toyota Corolla at gunpoint, said Spike Hopkins, Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman.The man drove her car a short distance in the parking lot before letting the woman out, Hopkins said.At some point the attacker fired his gun, but the woman was not hurt.Deputies described the attacker as a black man wearing a red Polo shirt.According to deputies, parking lots in shopping areas and work places are prime areas for carjackers.Some tips to avoid a carjacking are:Park in a well lit area.Keep your car locked at all times, whether you are in it or not.Carry a small flashlight to check dark areas.Don't dawdle. Move confidently and quickly.Have your keys in your hand.Check to make sure no one is hiding in or under your car.Be aware of occupied cars nearby.If someone is loitering around your car when you approach it, keep walking, then wait until they leave before returning.Most watched video: School's policy on gang colors forces removal of American flag-like shirtAnyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Sheriff's Office or 911.14277264

Deputies are hoping a recently released sketch will lead them to the man responsible for an armed carjacking at the Florida Mall on Wednesday night.

Around 9 p.m. a woman was walking to her car, which was parked outside of Nordstrom's, when a man forced her into her black Toyota Corolla at gunpoint, said Spike Hopkins, Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

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The man drove her car a short distance in the parking lot before letting the woman out, Hopkins said.

At some point the attacker fired his gun, but the woman was not hurt.

Deputies described the attacker as a black man wearing a red Polo shirt.

According to deputies, parking lots in shopping areas and work places are prime areas for carjackers.

Some tips to avoid a carjacking are:

Park in a well lit area.

Keep your car locked at all times, whether you are in it or not.

Carry a small flashlight to check dark areas.

Don't dawdle. Move confidently and quickly.

Have your keys in your hand.

Check to make sure no one is hiding in or under your car.

Be aware of occupied cars nearby.

If someone is loitering around your car when you approach it, keep walking, then wait until they leave before returning.

Most watched video: School's policy on gang colors forces removal of American flag-like shirt

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Sheriff's Office or 911.