(RepublicanView.org) – A 66-year-old man successfully defended himself from a 29-year-old alleged car thief in Florida, authorities say.
According to police, the victim discovered Blake Robinson attempting to break into his car after hearing noises outside of his home on June 27. He then went outside to confront Robinson after calling the police. Robinson allegedly attacked the victim in response, knocking him to the ground and kicking him in the head.
Despite the blow, the victim still managed to gain the upperhand and defended himself so that he could escape, according to police. Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that deputies quickly took Robinson into custody shortly after arriving at the victim’s home. He also said Robinson got his behind “whipped” by the senior citizen and had trouble getting off the ground after. Ivey referred to the alleged perpetrator mockingly as a “Mr. Tough Guy” and said the victim only needed treatment for minor injuries.
Robinson also needed medical attention before he was incarcerated with a $30,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge related to the attack of a senior citizen and conveyance burglary. He is being held at the Brevard County Jail.
Car theft has been an ongoing issue in Florida, and reports say it increased by around 6% from 2021 to 2022. The National Crime Bureau indicated that around 46,000 vehicles were stolen in the state in 2022.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported in April 2023 that over a two-week period, 40% of the 53 vehicle thefts in its jurisdiction targeted vehicles that had been left unlocked. They called it a “crime of opportunity.”
The state’s Highway Safety Department released tips to help citizens protect their vehicles. They include locking the vehicle and removing the keys, parking in an area with plenty of lighting, and using vehicle tracking services. They also encourage victims to contact their insurance provider within 24 hours to set up a claim.
The victim’s name in the recent incident has not been publicly released, but authorities did say that his injuries were minor.
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