High School Student Facing 10 Charges For Pepper Spray Attack, Theft
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PLANTATION (CBSMiami) – A Taravella High School student was back in court Wednesday morning, facing numerous charges for a string of violent robberies in both Broward and Miami-Dade.
Erica Abraham, 18, was charged with 10 separate counts, including carjacking and aggravated battery on a person over the age of 65.
Police said Abraham and two accomplices targeted women at Publix parking lots.
The trio would reportedly follow them in a black Nissan Altima, often pepper-spraying and assaulting their victims before robbing them.
"She has a very significant juvenile record involving multiple offenses that are similar, or related in nature, to these allegations, your Honor," a prosecutor told the judge in court.
A 73-year-old woman fell victim to this type of attack last week after she was followed from a Publix parking lot to her Plantation home and there have been at least three similar attacks.
A 16-year-old was also arrested in connection. The third suspect is being investigated.
The attacks have plenty of Plantation residents fed up and many more terrified.
"We're tired! We're tired of the creeping and crawling all over the place," said Darnell Lara.
"I literally am walking my dog now down my street like is there someone there," Jessica Durinski said.
On Wednesday night, residents banded together to make their voices heard at the Plantation City Commission meeting.
Even though police have arrested two teenagers who they believe are responsible for the rash of violent robberies from Aventura all the way up to Plantation and throughout Broward County, these homeowners say it's not enough and their comfort at home has been shaken.
"My mother-in-law, 70-year-old woman, can't go to Publix by herself," said Juan Cruz. "She has to schedule it when I'm available or a neighbor is available."
While recent crimes have made some very paranoid, it has heightened neighbors looking out for one another.
It's something police say is necessary to help them combat crime.
"We're texting each other and we're asking, 'Do you know this person walking around? Do you know this person coming out of your backyard?' It's just crazy right now," Angela Barrow said.
