The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An 81-year-old man escaped from a Maryland home after police say two people held him against his will and poured heated syrup on him to force him to reveal a safe combination.
According to the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, the man went to a woman’s home in Elkton on Wednesday to bring a money gift for her child’s birthday. Police said he did not know another person would be inside.
Investigators purported that the two suspects planned to lure the man to the home, restrain him and take his belongings. They also allegedly wanted access to his Delaware home and safe.
Police said one suspect tied the alleged victim to a chair with a cord and repeatedly punched him. The suspect also allegedly held a knife to the man’s throat and demanded the safe combination. When the man did not provide it, police said the suspect removed the alleged victim’s clothing, heated syrup in a microwave and poured it over his body causing multiple burns.
According to investigators, the man eventually gave up the combination. The suspect allegedly wrote it across the alleged victim’s forehead with a marker before taking several of his belongings. It was reported that the stolen property included cash, gold jewelry, a watch and keys to three vehicles.
Police said the woman left during the alleged assault. The victim later escaped when one of his alleged captors fell asleep, and he ran to a nearby home to ask for help.
Authorities contacted police in Delaware to check the alleged victim’s residence. Officers found no sign that anyone had entered.
Investigators later recovered the alleged victim’s belongings, along with the chair and cord allegedly used to restrain him. The victim was treated at a hospital.
The two suspects may face multiple charges. The man was preliminarily charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, theft, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment and conspiracy offenses. The woman was accused of conspiracy to commit robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and theft charges. She was released after posting a $500 cash bond.
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.