MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The robber who attacked an 81-year-old veteran inside his own home and stole his medical marijuana is still on the run, investigators say.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said on November 3, there was a home invasion at around 10:20 p.m. The sheriff’s office included a clip from the robbery and part of the attack.
The victim told investigators that the robber came into the home from the back door. The victim was in another room, unaware, until his security camera alerted him that there was movement on his back porch. That’s when the victim saw the robber rummaging through his belongings.
The incident report stated that the victim went to confront the man and a fight ensued, and the two men began to throw punches at each other.
“There was a tussle, and we actually have video, it’s very sad,” Sheriff William Snyder said.
Video shows the two men fighting, until the assailant throws the victim to the ground. The clip has been cut before the attack is shown. The victim was injured from the altercation, receiving several bruises to his spine and back, Snyder said.
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The attacker then runs into the victim’s bedroom, taking three containers of medical marijuana worth around $350 total. The robber then ran out of the home, and the victim, who was still on the ground wasn’t able to chase after his attacker.
Neighbors told WPEC’s reporter Katie Bente they were surprised to hear someone would go after an elderly man, but more shocked they’d target a veteran.
“It’s totally crazy. I mean to hurt an older guy to whatever extent he may have,” one woman said. “Now, the older guy will stand his ground. He’s a little feisty as a neighbor, so I can see him standing his ground.”
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who is able to identify the attacker in the video to call the sheriff’s office at 772-220-7000, or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477).
If the robber is caught the sheriff’s office said he could face the following:
Home invasion robbery without firearm or weaponBattery on a person 65 years or older Grand theft of a controlled substance
Sheriff Snyder said incidents like this can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken.
“If you have an alarm, activate your alarm. Sometimes you can avoid a real problem just by having a locked door,” said Sheriff Snyder.
Meanwhile, neighbors are urging their own families to keep an eye out.
“I’ve told them, when he’s walking house to house with friends, or getting off the bus or going to school, if anybody looks out of place, make note of it,” a woman told Bente.
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The robber who attacked a veteran inside his own home and stole his medical marijuana is still on the run, investigators say. Read More
