An 83-year-old woman was attacked and robbed moments after collecting her lottery winnings outside a convenience store in Orlando, Florida.
The incident happened around 8 a.m. on Wednesday at Buddy’s Food and Lotto, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. .. Continue reading here ▶
The Attack
Surveillance footage shows the woman walking to her car with an envelope containing her lottery winnings. A man approached her and tried to snatch the envelope. The woman fought back, leading to a struggle on the ground.
As the victim defended herself, another man rushed out of the store to help, but the suspect managed to slam the woman to the ground and escape with the cash.
The sheriff’s office shared the disturbing video on social media to help identify the attacker.
The Suspect
Authorities named the suspect as Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, who was arrested the following day after a manhunt. He faces charges of robbery and battery on a person aged 65 or older.
Ae Sun Lee, an employee at Buddy’s Food and Lotto for over a decade, recognized Fleury. She said he often hangs around the area but isn’t a regular customer.
“He’s a troublemaker,” she told Click Orlando. “My manager gave him a trespass notice years ago, but he still comes back.”
The Victim
Lee also knows the victim, describing her as a kind and friendly woman who has been a regular customer for over 10 years. “She’s a very nice lady and talks to everybody. Everybody is her friend,” Lee said.
Next Steps
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the case. Fleury remains in custody, facing serious charges for his actions.
This incident serves as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant, especially when handling cash in public spaces.
