A Lady Lake senior citizen displayed a remarkable show of resistance last week when a man attempted to burglarize her home. The 78-year-old woman engaged in a struggle with the suspect after he forced his way inside in a bid to snatch her purse and car keys. WESH reported that the incident occurred last Friday around 3:30 p.m., marking an unlikely confrontation that left her hand injured but her spirit undefeated.
Police say Craig Steven Johnson, 53, knocked on the woman's door, demanding her car keys. Upon her refusal, Johnson persisted, pushing his way into the residence. Trying to find the keys, he grabbed and emptied her purse. According to an arrest affidavit, the woman reclaimed her bag and managed to push the man out of the door after they fought over it. Running from the law, Johnson was later found and apprehended by Lady Lake officers. They have since charged him with multiple offenses, including burglary with battery, and battery on a person 65 years or older.
The bravery and swift action of this elder were echoed in a subsequent release from the police department. "You're not getting my car keys," the victim forcefully told the offender, as recounted in the FOX 35 Orlando report. Her determination led her to push the assailant outside and promptly dial 911, a move that facilitated the quick capture of the suspect by the responding officers.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the department, the victim extended her gratitude to the five officers for their "fast response," which resulted in the suspect's capture "within 20 minutes or so," as she put it, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando. While describing the harrowing experience, Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt labeled the incident an "unacceptable attack" on a senior member of the community. Despite being accused of this violent intrusion, Johnson claimed to officials he was merely seeking refuge from other authorities.
