Home Invasion Victims Describe Suspect as "Control Freak"

(WUSA) The man suspected of carrying out 5 home invasions in Northwest, DC and Montgomery County is described as "business-like...sadistic...a control freak" by three of his victims in interviews with 9NEWS NOW.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, in his 20's or 30's, medium height and weight, who speaks limited English. He often conceals part of his face with hoods or bandanas and usually wears either camouflage clothing or sports wear.In the 3 most recent cases in January, February and this week, he was armed with a handgun.

"He had a plan," the November 27th victim told us at her home in Chevy Chase Village. The 77-year-old victim feels certain the suspect "cased" her, her home and her neighborhood. She says he removed bars from a window and cut the glass to gain admittance to her basement. Inside, she says, he unplugged her telephone service and switched off her main electrical switch. Upon confronting him in the basement, she was tied up while he searched her home for cash and other valuables.

An 85-year-old Northwest, DC woman says she "absolutely" agrees the suspect cased her home on 49th Street, NW. Both she and her husband were confronted by him at gunpoint late the night of January 9th. He was "moving swiftly, he was well organized. He was confident...business-like."

Police urge area residents to be watchful for anyone who appears to be "casing" a home in their neighborhood. That could include yard or landscape workers, or strangers who appear to be paying undue attention to a particular residence.