One move seen in video offers key clue amid Tampa serial killer fears

Tampa, Florida, police hope that new surveillance video will lead them closer to identifying a possible serial killer. The footage shows a "person of interest" running from one of three murder scenes. The three victims were shot and killed, just days apart.

Police have been sifting through hours of surveillance footage after urging homeowners in this neighborhood with security cameras to turn over any video of suspicious activity, reports CBS News correspondent DeMarco Morgan.

"We believe that this person has ties to this neighborhood," said Tampa police chief Brian Dugan.

That "person of interest" is seen in a surveillance video running from the spot where Benjamin Mitchell was murdered. He was shot just seconds earlier.

"I have come up with four reasons why this person is running. One, they may be late for dinner. Two, they're out exercising. Three, they heard gunshots. And number four, they just murdered Benjamin Mitchell," Dugan said.

In another video before the murder, that same person is seen flipping a cell phone – an important clue for investigators.

"The reason I focus in on the flip because that might be a habit of this person," Dugan said.

The other two victims include 20-year-old Anthony Naiboa and 32-year-old Monica Hoffa, all shot and killed within 10 days of each other in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood.

Police have been swarming the area, warning the community to keep vigilant.

"We're stopping and talking to just about anybody who we see. It's a scary thing," said Lt. Kimberly Plourde-Torres of the Tampa Police Department.  

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is urging anyone withholding information to come forward.

"All you're doing is protecting a killer. And that killer may take out one of your family members. So, you decide which side you're on," Buckhorn said.

Police told CBS News they have received about 350 tips in this case. There is a $35,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.