A man who is suspected of violently accosting women in mall parking lots
and grabbing their purses is behind bars today according to law enforcement
authorities.
On Friday, authorities say they caught Oscar Villagran the suspect who
was snatching purses from women in at least two shopping mall parking lots.
According to
wftv.com, investigators believe Villagran was the man who accosted women in different
malls at least two days this past week, and also believe he is behind
other robberies that have occurred in parking lots throughout the Orlando area.
Villagran allegedly would ambush women shopping at malls as they were walking
in the parking lots by driving up next to the victims, grabbing their
purses and then fleeing the scene of the crime by driving away in his
vehicle. Many victims were left bruised and bloodied after refusing to
give up their purses without a struggle. One victim said she refused to
give up her purse when Villagran grabbed it and she was dragged through
the parking lot until the purse strap broke. Although Villagran fled the
area, this victim was able to get a good look at his vehicle – a
pickup – and give a description to police.
Security Cameras – Ever-Vigilant Eyes
Deputies were able to link Villagran’s pickup to another purse-snatching
robbery at a different mall this week when security cameras in the parking
lot captured a license plate of the suspect’s vehicle. The license
plate led police to Villagran.
Villagran has a long criminal history which includes a charge on purse
snatching in 2008. Currently he is incarcerated in an Orlando jail without bond.
When a person commits robbery in Florida, it is considered a greater crime
than just theft as the crime must involve the use of physical force, threatened
force or intimidation. If convicted of robbery in the State of Florida,
the accused will be looking at spending time in jail. How long a sentence
depends on the severity of the crime, as well as the criminal history
of the perpetrator.
When you have been arrested or are under investigation for robbery in Florida,
it is essential that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney
to mount a successful defense on your behalf and to protect your rights
and freedom.