This browser does not support the Video element.
Woman, 78, fights off attempted carjacker in Lady Lake
A 78-year-old woman fought off a man who police say tried to force his way into her home and steal her car keys, according to authorities.The encounter happened when 53-year-old Craig Johnson allegedly pushed through the woman’s door on Tuesday and tried to snatch her purse and keys. Lady Lake Police Chief Steven Hunt said the woman refused to back down.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A 78-year-old woman fought off a man who forced his way into her home, tried to steal her purse, and injured her during the struggle, according to Lady Lake police.
What we know:
Officers responded to the home on St. Andrews Boulevard around 3:28 p.m. on August 8 after a woman reported that a man had knocked on her door asking for her vehicle keys.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP
Police said the man, later identified as Craig Steven Johnson, 53, pushed his way inside, grabbed her purse and searched for the keys. The victim resisted, telling him, "You’re not getting my car keys," before pushing him outside and calling 911.
Officers quickly located Johnson nearby, who the victim identified as the intruder.
Johnson, who police said is homeless, was arrested 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 entered the home.
What they're saying:
In a letter to the department, the victim thanked the five responding officers, saying their quick action led to his arrest. "Because of their fast response and my detailed description of this person, he was apprehended within 20 minutes or so…" she wrote.
SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS
Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt called the incident "a frightening and unacceptable attack on one of our senior residents" and praised officers for ensuring no one else was harmed.
The Source: The information in this article comes from a report shared by the Lady Lake Police Department.