Authorities expand search for Broward County kidnapping suspect nationwide
Broward County, Florida – The pursuit for a local man, purported to be involved in a kidnapping case, has escalated into a nationwide search as of this Sunday. This information comes courtesy of an urgent announcement disseminated by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Within the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a dedicated unit specializing in these highly sensitive cases, known as the Special Victims Unit, is currently leading the investigation. They are looking for an individual named Phillip J. Pepe, Jr., who has been classified as a person of interest in relation to charges of kidnapping, unlawful detainment of a minor, and grand auto theft.
In the early hours of Saturday, June 17, following the report of a stolen vehicle, the deputies of BSO Oakland Park were mobilized to the location of an IHOP at 3101 W. Oakland Park Blvd. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that a three-year-old child was inside the missing vehicle. Upon exiting the restaurant, the mother of the child was confronted with the startling discovery that both her vehicle and child had disappeared.
Not long after, in a fortunate turn of events, the stolen vehicle and the child, unscathed, were found by the deputies at 1901 N.W. 40th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. In response, a perimeter was established, and additional reinforcements from Aviation and K-9 units were requested to join the operation. The suspect, unfortunately, had vacated the scene prior to their arrival, leaving behind the vehicle.
After further investigation, SVU detectives have pointed to Phillip J. Pepe Jr., 33, as the prime suspect in this case. At the time of his last sighting, Pepe was observed wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts. Additionally, he is identifiable by a tattoo on his right arm and a visible abrasion beneath his left eye.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with potential information on Pepe’s current location to reach out to Special Victims Unit Detective Michael Sgro directly at 954-321-4256 or to provide an anonymous tip through the SaferWatch App. Furthermore, those wishing to remain unidentified can contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), visit their website at browardcrimestoppers.org, or simply dial **TIPS (8477) from any mobile device within the United States.
