According to Orange County deputies, a 50-year-old homeless father and his 19-year-old son have been charged for several thefts of purses that began on Dec. 24. The pair was living in their Pontiac Sunfire for several weeks around the time the first theft occurred; a woman who was parked in a lot on Curry Ford Road alleged that one of the men stuck their hand outside of their gold car as it was passing by and removed her purse from her shoulder.
Another theft happened in similar fashion in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on Dec. 31. The final incident took place on Jan. 2 when the son allegedly punched a 62-year-old woman on Colonial Drive near PetSmart, snatched her purse and ran away. Police reviewed surveillance video and said that the car had no license plates.
The two were apprehended after an individual anonymously advised deputies that a car matching the description was parked at an apartment complex near Semoran Boulevard. After Orlando police followed the vehicle, they detained the duo while they were robbing a landscaping vehicle. Police charged the father with three counts of fraudulent credit card use and one count of robbery; they charged the son with robbery and battery. Both are currently in the Orange County jail and being held on bond.
When responding to theft-related charges, it may be in an individual’s best interests to contemplate seeking legal representation. If an attorney is able to demonstrate their client’s willingness to reform, the court may grant some leniency to the defendant upon conviction, potentially resulting in fewer penalties.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, “Homeless father, son charged in string of purse snatchings“, Gal Tziperman Lotan, January 08, 2015