LADY LAKE — A 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday after he forced his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home, attempted to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle.
Lady Lake Police 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 vehicle keys. Police say he then pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse, and tried to find the keys.
The victim bravely fought to hold on to her belongings, stating “You’re not getting my car keys.” She was able to push the suspect back outside and call 911. Police responded quickly and located the suspect nearby. The victim identified the suspect at the scene.
She suffered swelling and redness to her hand.
Craig Steven Johnson, 53, who is listed as homeless, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, robbery by sudden snatching, and battery on a person 65 years or older.
Johnson told officers he had been fleeing from law enforcement when he broke into the home.
The victim sent a letter to the Lady Lake Police department thanking all five officers involved in making the arrest. “Because of their fast response and my detailed description of this person, he was apprehended within 20 minutes or so…” she wrote.
“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.”
