A Lee County man’s alleged robbery escape plan took an unusually three-wheeled turn when deputies found him near the tricycle he was accused of using to flee. Investigators say the man had just ripped a necklace from a victim and pushed them to the ground.
The incident began Tuesday in the Orange River Boulevard area, according to Tampa Free Press, which cited the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was identified as Paul Sloan, who allegedly ran up to the victim, tore away the chain and escaped into nearby woods on a tricycle.
Deputies searched the surrounding area and reportedly found Sloan standing beside the tricycle. Because the alleged robbery involved a physical confrontation, detectives from the sheriff’s office’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation, officials said.
Detectives Say Suspect Matched Robbery Description
Investigators determined that Sloan matched the physical description provided for the suspect and established probable cause, according to the sheriff’s office account. He was then arrested and charged with robbery by sudden snatching.
What Florida’s Sudden-Snatching Law Covers
Florida law defines robbery by sudden snatching as taking property directly from a person when the victim is aware of the taking. The statute says the offense can include conduct during an attempted robbery or while fleeing, and classifies the charge as a third-degree felony when no firearm or deadly weapon is involved, according to the Florida Legislature.
The available account did not include details about Sloan’s attorney, bond status or a scheduled court appearance. The allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
