Violent Home Invasion Robbery in Fort Lauderdale
A 75-year-old man is currently recovering at home after being hospitalized following a violent burglary at his residence in Fort Lauderdale, according to neighbors.
The Incident
Security camera footage provided by the management of the Leisure Beach South apartments shows a man wearing a hoodie entering the apartment building on Friday night. The suspect is seen stepping into the elevator and then returning to the first floor, where he enters an apartment at the end of the hall.
The Violent Encounter
About five minutes after the suspect enters the apartment, a man in a red hat is seen walking into the same apartment. However, what the video does not show is the violent encounter between the 75-year-old resident and the intruder, as described by neighbor Tim Sterling.
"It wasn’t just a whack on the head, he beat him up pretty well," Sterling explained.
The Investigation
Police told NBC6 that the resident had just returned home after taking out his trash when he found a stranger inside, going through his belongings. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Joseph Soini, had a lengthy criminal history in Florida dating back to the 1990s, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Soini attacked the man, hitting him with a trophy and even tried to strangle him before taking the victim’s bike and $4,000. He also took off in the victim’s car, according to authorities.
The Suspect’s Arrest and Charges
Soini was found a few hours later near 330 North Federal Highway and taken into custody. He faces charges of grand theft auto and possession of cocaine, although police said there could be other charges added at a later time. Soini was expected to appear in bond court on Sunday but refused to appear.
Conclusion
This violent home invasion robbery is a sobering reminder of the dangers of crime and the importance of community vigilance. It is crucial for residents to be aware of their surroundings and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
FAQs
- What happened during the violent encounter between the 75-year-old resident and the intruder?
According to neighbor Tim Sterling, the suspect beat the resident "pretty well". - What was the suspect’s criminal history?
The suspect, Joseph Soini, had a lengthy criminal history in Florida dating back to the 1990s, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. - What charges does the suspect face?
Soini faces charges of grand theft auto and possession of cocaine, although police said there could be other charges added at a later time.
