Man accused of stealing generator from Oakland Park family

Surveillance video led to arrest of Juan Rodriguez Fajardo, BSO says

Photo courtesy Broward Sheriff's Office

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A man is accused of stealing a generator from an Oakland Park family with two autistic children, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Juan Rodriguez Fajardo was arrested Wednesday. He faces charges of grand theft and the burglary of an occupied structure during a state emergency, officials said.

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Fajardo said he needed power, and that’s why he stole the generator five days after Hurricane Irma, according to a news release from deputies.

On Sept. 15, he took the Briggs & Stratton device from a secured area on the front porch at 110 N.W. 53rd St., officials said.

“Its 5,500 watts were being used to provide power for the resident’s three children, two of whom have autism,” deputies said.

Surveillance video captured Fajardo driving through the neighborhood and then returning to the victims’ home. He was seen backing up his white Hyundai SUV into the driveway, and then leaving with the generator, deputies said.

The generator has been returned to the family. The victims’ story was shared on Facebook, complete with video.