ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A lottery winner was “violently robbed” outside an Orange County store on Wednesday morning, leading to a hunt for the suspect, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the lotto winner — an 83-year-old woman — was accosted for her $200 in winnings outside Buddy’s Food and Lotto at 7219 Curry Ford Road while trying to get into her vehicle.
“Surveillance footage captured the suspect, and deputies believe he is Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury,” sheriff’s officials said.
The sheriff’s office announced on Thursday the arrest of Tavarez Fleury.
Store employee Ae Sun Lee, who has worked at Buddy’s Food and Lotto for more than a decade, said she knows the victim well.
“She’s a regular customer,” Lee said. “I’ve known her for over 10 years. She’s a very nice lady and talks to everybody. Everybody is her friend.”
The video shows the store owner rushing to the victim’s aid as the suspect struggled with the elderly woman, eventually slamming her to the ground before fleeing with the cash.
Investigators added that Tavarez Fleury is known to frequent the area, and an arrest warrant had been issued for him on charges of robbery and battery.
Lee said she has seen Tavarez Fleury outside the store before.
“He’s a troublemaker,” she said. “He just hangs outside. I remember my manager giving him a trespass notice years ago, but they still come back. They don’t care.”
Despite the incident, customer Debbie Davis said she feels safe shopping at the store.
“Not here,” Davis said. “I know they are always watching. They really do keep an eye on their customers.”
Tavarez Fleury faces charges of robbery and battery on a person 65 or older.
No additional information has been provided at this time.
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