Robberies Terrorize Hollywood Neighborhood

Residents on edge after string of incidents and high school lockdown

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:54am

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People living in a Hollywood, Florida neighborhood are feeling uneasy and unsafe after a series of robberies by an unidentified suspect. The incidents have included a purse snatching, an attempted bag theft, and a lockdown at a nearby high school as police investigated. Residents are speaking out in hopes of helping authorities identify and apprehend the suspect.

Why it matters

The string of robberies in this North Lake neighborhood of Hollywood has left residents feeling helpless and on edge in their own community. The situation raises concerns about public safety and the need for increased police presence and community engagement to address the issue.

The details

According to reports, the same suspect is believed to be responsible for at least three robberies in the neighborhood. In one incident, Denise Fisher said she was backing out of her driveway when someone opened her passenger door and stole her purse. In another, Nathan Eldred Banks said he encountered the suspect inside his building and the two engaged in a 'tug of war' over Banks' bag before the suspect fled. Shortly after that incident, nearby South Broward High School went on lockdown as a precaution while police investigated.

  • Last month, Denise Fisher was robbed of her purse while backing out of her driveway.
  • On March 15, 2026, Nathan Eldred Banks had a confrontation with the suspect inside his building.
  • On March 15, 2026, South Broward High School was placed on lockdown as police investigated an incident related to the suspect.

The players

Denise Fisher

A resident of the North Lake neighborhood in Hollywood, Florida who was the victim of a purse snatching by the unidentified suspect.

Nathan Eldred Banks

A resident of the North Lake neighborhood who encountered the suspect inside his building and engaged in a struggle over his bag before the suspect fled.

South Broward High School

A high school in the Hollywood, Florida area that was placed on lockdown as police investigated an incident related to the robbery suspect.

Hollywood Police

The law enforcement agency investigating the string of robberies in the North Lake neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“I just feel uneasy, unsafe. I'm like, really, is this happening? I was in shock.”

— Denise Fisher

“We had a back-and-forth tug of war, he was telling me to let go, I was telling him to let go. I was super shocked when it happened, like oh my God, he's trying to take my stuff.”

— Nathan Eldred Banks

“This is the first time that I've ever felt unsafe.”

— Nathan Eldred Banks

What’s next

Hollywood Police are asking anyone with pictures or videos related to the incidents to share them with detectives working the case in order to help identify the suspect.

The takeaway

The string of robberies in this Hollywood neighborhood has left residents feeling vulnerable in their own community, highlighting the need for increased police presence and community engagement to address public safety concerns and restore a sense of security.