The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to be aware following a series of potentially violent crimes in the county.

  • Hernando County Sheriff's Office warns of criminals coming from outside the county
  • Series of violent crimes, including burglaries, deputy-involved shooting
  • If you see a crime, call 911 immediately

Sheriff Al Nienhuis said there have been eight incidents since late November.

"As sheriff of Hernando County, to say that I am concerned is an understatement," he said. 

He said some of the crimes are related and some are not.

The incidents range from several attempted car burglaries to an attempted burglary at a gun shop, a burglary at a Target and suspects opening fire on deputies during a routine traffic stop.

Sheriff Nienhuis said in many of the cases, the suspects were armed.

"We do have several of them where they appear as though they're ready to use deadly force if they were confronted," Nienhuis said.

He said in one case, law enforcement followed the suspects back to Orlando, so it appears that some of them are coming from out of town.

"Unfortunately those that are coming from outside the county, we have intelligence that the group is fairly large so arresting a handful, one car full of people, is not likely going to stop it," he said.

The crime wave has residents worried.

"Yes, without a doubt, without a doubt, I'll pretty much sleep with one eye open from now on," said a man who only wanted to be identified as Angelo.

The sheriff said because the suspects appear to be armed, it is not a good idea for citizens to try to take matters into their own hands.

He is urging anyone who sees a crime being committed to call 911 or the Sheriff's Office immediately.