Watch CBS News

Clumsy Crook Drops Wallet While Trying To Get Away, Ends Up In Hospital

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

HALLANDALE (CBSMiami) – A woman had a frightening encounter with an robber at a laundromat—who was caught with the help of a Good Samaritan.

Lucia Blando was at Atlantic Shores Coin Laundry. Around 9:30 AM, a man went and locked himself inside the office. Blando said she pounded on the door and suddenly it opened.

"He locked the door and when he opened the door, he go outside and he push me and run," Blando said. She told CBS4's Ted Scouten that he pushed her because she tried to catch him.

CLICK HERE To Watch Ted Scouten's Report 

Witnesses said the robber took off running and hopped the fence but he left something behind—his wallet which had is identification.

Hallandale Beach Police Department Capt. Sonia Quinones said a Good Samaritan yelled out a warning to the man.

"The Good Samaritan who picked up his wallet said, 'hey buddy it's not worth it, I have your wallet, I have your identification," said Capt. Quinones.

A police officer happened to be in the plaza already and ordered him to jump back over the fence.

"The individual climbs over the fence, the officers assist getting him over the fence as the officer starts to handcuff the suspect is when the violent struggle ensued," said Capt. Quinones.

People nearby, like Mary Piccullo, said the struggle was intense and sudden.

"The police came and kept telling him, 'put your hands behind your back, put your hands behind your back,' and he was struggling like crazy," said Piccullo.

The struggle ended with the suspect getting zapped by a police Taser.

That suspect is in critical condition.  Hallandale Beach Police are not releasing his name yet, or explaining how he was critically injured.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.