Police search for armed intruder who attacked housekeeper in Key Biscayne

Blanca Vargas says gunman tied her up during burglary

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. ā€“ Police were searching for an armed intruder who attacked a housekeeper Friday morning on Key Biscayne.

Miami-Dade police said Bianca Vargas was alone inside the home on Woodcrest Lane when she heard noises and was confronted by the armed man.

The man tied up Vargas with plastic tie wraps and demanded money and property, Miami-Dade police Detective Alvaro ZabaletaĀ said.Ā 

Key Biscayne Police Chief Charles Press said she managed to free herself and ask a neighbor for help. Vargas, 48, told police the man appeared to be wearing a security uniform.Ā 

"She sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital," Zabaleta said.Ā 

While police searched for the man with the help of a police dogs, Miami-Dade County Public Schools police spokesman John Schuster said the Key Biscayne K-8 Center was on lockdown. St. Agnes Academy, a private school, was also on lockdown.Ā 

Detectives reviewed video from several surveillance cameras and released a photograph of the man, while he was standing in a child's room.

Miami-Dade and Key Biscayne police were asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.