Around 8:00 AM on October 1, a woman was in the parking lot of a hotel in Westshore when she was reportedly approached by a man she did not know.
The man allegedly stole her wallet from her and ran away. It was reported that the suspect was seen by several people who were witnesses to the incident. They reportedly watched as he sprinted toward Cypress Pointe Beach.
The authorities were notified about the alleged wallet theft, and officers with the Tampa Police Department responded to the call and went to the location reported.
When the police arrived, they reported before they could apprehend him, he tried to escape from them by going to a spot at the edge of Tampa Bay.
The suspect reportedly started to swim away, and the authorities called for a police helicopter to come to the site and help to assist the officers that were on land.
According to reports, the man continued to swim until the helicopter was directly above his head. The police estimated that he was able to swim 200 feet from the shore before he gave up.
The suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. According to records, the man is expected to face charges of robbery by sudden snatching, resisting officers without violence, warrants for battery (second or subsequent offense), aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, as well as three probation violations: grand theft, possession of cocaine, and fleeing to elude police at a high speed.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.