LADY LAKE, Fla. – A man arrested Friday in Lady Lake is accused of forcing his way into a 78-year-old woman’s home and hurting her in an attempt to steal her purse, according to police.
Craig Steven Johnson, 53, faces charges of burglary of an occupied building with battery, robbery by sudden snatching and battery on a person 65 years or older, the Lady Lake Police Department said in a news release.
Officers responded to the home along St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. that day after the victim reported the home invasion, the release states. She told police that Johnson has knocked on her door asking for her vehicle keys before pushing his way inside and grabbing at her purse, according to the release.
“The victim bravely fought to hold on to her belongings, stating ‘You’re not getting my car keys,’” the release states. “She was able to push the suspect back outside and call 911.”
Johnson was found nearby and was identified by the victim shortly after officers arrived, police said. Upon being apprehended, Johnson allegedly said that he was already fleeing from law enforcement at the time, according to the release.
The woman suffered swelling and redness to her hand, police said.
In a letter of appreciation, the woman thanked the five officers involved and told them that they were able to capture Johnson within “20 minutes or so,” the release states.
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