Two would-be burglars in Fort Lauderdale found themselves outmatched by a sheet of glass when their attempt to smash through a home window with a handgun ended in complete failure.
The incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. On Oct. 19 at an occupied residence in the South Florida city, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Officers are now searching for the pair, whose clumsy break-in was captured in its entirety by security cameras.
One suspect, dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt and red pants, took the lead in the assault on the window. He was seen on footage repeatedly striking the glass with his handgun in an effort to gain entry. The weapon proved useless against the specialized glazing.
“There was just one problem: it was a hurricane impact window, and it wasn’t giving in that easily,” the department wrote in a statement.
The would-be intruder refused to accept defeat. He continued his assault on the stubborn pane, at one point jumping and hurling his full body against the glass in a desperate bid to shatter it. The window held firm, and the man appeared to injure himself in the process, according to the clip.
Throughout this display, his accomplice offered little help. That second suspect, clad in a gray hooded sweatshirt and black mask, stood nearby looking around aimlessly while his partner exhausted himself against the unyielding barrier.
The footage ends with both men empty-handed and the home’s security intact. The occupants inside were unharmed, though undoubtedly shaken by the brazen evening attempt.
“The window did its job. Now let’s identify who’s responsible,” the department said.
Authorities have released the security footage in hopes that someone will recognize the failed burglars. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department urged anyone with information to come forward, providing multiple channels for tips.
Detective B. Ledbetter is handling the investigation and can be reached at 954-828-6127 or via email at [email protected]. The department continues to search for both suspects.