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Deputies search for armed robber targeting UCF students

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County deputies are searching for the armed robber they believe may be targeting college students.

Earlier this month, there was an armed robbery at the Sterling Central apartments, which are near one of the University of Central Florida's entrances.

At about 11:30 p.m. Monday, another student was attacked at the same complex.

An Orange County detective hung flyers around Sterling Central apartments near UCF after Monday night's armed robbery.

New resident Curtis Willis has only lived at the complex for four days.

"I'd be kind of paranoid a little with a gun involved," said Willis.

The victim told deputies he was confronted by a man with a gun in the stairwell of a parking garage on the property. He said the robber demanded his cellphone and made him leave through an exit door. When the victim did that, the robber took off, deputies said.

Deputies told WFTV they believe a man who was seen in a surveillance photo is the same man who held up another victim in a near-identical scenario at the same complex on Oct. 1 in broad daylight.

In that instance, the robber made off with cash and belongings.

"I think that's terrifying, and I think, me, I'd be in fear just to go inside the parking garage," Willis said.

The brashness of the crimes at a complex that sits directly across the street from a university entrance has also spurred a Facebook page from parents.

The crimes also do not sit well with the students WFTV talked to who are familiar with the complex

"It could happen in broad daylight, so where's the security and why are they not doing their job?" said student Tanisha Calixte.

"I'm glad I don't have a car," Willis said.

WFTV contacted the complex's corporate office to see if there were plans to enhance security.

The corporate office said it increased security at the complex after the first incident and is currently investigating additional options to make the site "as safe as possible and as quickly as possible."

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