LADY LAKE, FL. (352 Today). – A 53-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he forced his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home, tried to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle.
Officers responded to a home on St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 8 after the victim reported that a man had knocked on her door asking for her car keys. According to police, he then pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse, and tried to find the keys.
The victim fought back, telling him, “You’re not getting my car keys,” and managed to push him outside before calling 911. She suffered swelling and redness to her hand.
Police located the suspect, identified as Craig Steven Johnson, 53, who is listed as homeless, a short distance away. The victim identified him at the scene.
Johnson was arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, robbery by sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 years or older. He reportedly told officers he had been fleeing from law enforcement when he entered the home.
The victim later sent a letter thanking the officers for their quick response, noting that the suspect was apprehended within about 20 minutes.
“This was a frightening and unacceptable attack on one of our senior residents,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “I am proud of the quick response from our officers, which ensured the suspect was apprehended before anyone else was harmed.”