Trio sought in Wilton Manors after armed robbery leaves victim wounded

Denis Kladchihin pistol-whipped, robbed

WILTON MANORS, Fla. – Police are searching for a group of men who ambushed an unsuspecting victim who was walking home in Wilton Manors, eventually robbing and beating him.

The brutal encounter happened early Sunday in the 100 block of Northeast 21st Court.

Denis Kladchihin said he was beaten and robbed by two men who were seen on surveillance video hiding in the bushes moments before the attack. A third man was following behind them in a Honda CRV.

"I immediately ran, and when they (caught) me with the car, they hit me with a gun," Kladchihin said.

Kladchihin is recovering after being pistol-whipped in the head, requiring stitches.

Word of the attack has spread fast in the tight-knit community.

"I'm concerned for my safety," resident Lazaro Alvarez said. "You know, people coming out with guns and hurting the community is really bad."

Wilton Manors police passed out fliers Thursday warning residents about the incident. A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

"I didn't expect that it's going to happen with me at first and that it's going to happen in Wilton Manors," Kladchihin said.