Edgard Rius Lazard {BSO}
A Good Samaritan helped save a woman after Coral Springs police say a stranger randomly chased her with his fists raised along University Drive before officers arrested the suspect.
According to a Coral Springs Police arrest affidavit, officers responded on July 18 to the area of 1401 North University Drive after receiving a 911 call. When officers arrived, they found a visibly upset woman crying after what she described as a terrifying encounter with a stranger.
Police identified the suspect as Edgard Rius Lazard, 37, of Lauderhill.
Investigators said the woman was walking south on University Drive when Lazard began walking alongside her. She initially thought little of the interaction until, according to police, Lazard suddenly stopped, balled up both fists, raised them into a fighting stance, and appeared ready to strike her.
Fearing for her safety, the woman ran while screaming for help.
Police said Lazard allegedly chased her through nearby businesses, yelling at her and attempting to grab her. The woman told officers she had never met Lazard before and believed the attack was completely random.
The woman’s screams caught the attention of a nearby witness, who intervened after seeing Lazard about to hit the victim. The witness later told investigators it appeared Lazard was actively trying to attack the woman and feared he would seriously harm her if not stopped.
According to police, Lazard fled south on University Drive after realizing law enforcement had been called.
An officer spotted him running from the area and observed him running across University Drive. He was stopped in the parking lot of a Taco Bell at 900 North University Drive and taken into custody.
Lazard was arrested and transported to the Broward County Jail. He faces prowling charges for his alleged random attack.
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