Man Arrested for Violent Robbery of 83-Year-Old Woman’s Lottery Winnings
Police have arrested a man accused of violently robbing an 83-year-old woman of her lottery winnings shortly after she claimed them from a convenience store, authorities said.
The disturbing incident occurred early Wednesday morning around 8 a.m. near Curry Ford Road, close to the intersection of S. Goldenrod Road in Orlando, Florida, according to a statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Surveillance footage captured the moment the elderly woman exited the store with what appeared to be her lottery winnings. As she approached her vehicle, the suspect, later identified as Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, can be seen approaching her aggressively, attempting to forcibly take the money.
In an attempt to protect herself, the woman resisted, but Fleury allegedly continued the assault, dragging her away from her car into the parking lot while struggling to steal the winnings. A good Samaritan who witnessed the situation tried to intervene, stepping in to help the elderly woman, but Fleury escalated the attack, pushing the Samaritan aside to pursue his theft.
Eventually, Fleury successfully stole the winnings and fled the scene.
Authorities quickly posted the footage on social media, seeking help from the public to identify and apprehend the suspect. The footage garnered significant attention, and on Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Fleury had been arrested and booked into jail. The exact charges against him have yet to be clarified.
The 83-year-old victim sustained minor injuries during the assault but is otherwise receiving medical care and support, according to police.
This incident has prompted calls for heightened security measures at local convenience stores and greater vigilance in protecting vulnerable community members. Police are continuing their investigation into any potential accomplices or witnesses who may have information related to the crime.