A recent incident in Palm Springs has combined a stroke of luck with a misfortune, after a man was robbed immediately following his lottery win. According to CBS12, the 58-year-old Lake Worth resident purchased two scratch-off tickets from La Bodega, which yielded a winning ticket. However, the victim's celebration was short-lived as he was assaulted and robbed by a suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Christian Nasir Nelloms.
The assault took place on November 17 at the parking lot of Laundry Time. The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) indicated that the victim was attacked after claiming his winnings from the store. The assailant, wearing a yellow hoodie, punched the victim multiple times and stole his jewelry, including a 14k gold Cuban link chain and a matching bracelet, with a combined value of approximately $2,200. Despite the shock and physical injuries sustained by the victim, the incident left behind a trail of evidence.
In the aftermath, police received a tip through surveillance footage showing the suspect lying in wait before launching his attack. Using facial recognition technology, authorities identified the assailant as Nelloms, a resident of Riviera Beach. The PSPD used this evidence, along with a positive identification from the victim in a photo lineup, to arrest Nelloms on robbery charges. Details regarding the booking of Nelloms were corroborated by a post on the Only Thugs Palm Beach County Mugshots, listing him as booked on Wednesday with the charge of robbery with no firearm or weapon.
While the victim's injuries, which included harm to his face, neck, stomach, and legs, were non-life-threatening and treated at JFK Hospital, the emotional and psychological impacts of such an event are not easily quantified. The PSPD continues its investigation into the crime. Nelloms is being held with an original bond set at $0, according to the same post that listed his charges and booking information.
