Main Menu

Ruskin Panhandler Carjacked Woman When She Reached in Purse

Raul Perez | Hillsborough Sheriff | Arrests

He crashed the car a mile and a half from where he stole it, Hillsborough deputies said.

RUSKIN – A woman’s generosity led to her being carjacked, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Raul Perez, 30, of Ruskin, was charged with one count of carjacking.

Deputies said the incident happened just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday (Feb 12), when the woman in the parking lot of the Dollar General located at 2015 E College Ave. in Ruskin, was approached by a man asking for 50 cents.

When she reached into her purse to get the change, the man attacked her and pushed her backwards. As she stumbled, he grabbed the keys to her vehicle from her hand.

The man fled in the woman’s 2014 Ford Escape westbound on College Avenue. He crashed the car a mile and a half away into a ditch near E College Avenue and 18th Street SE. Neighbors said they saw him running into a nearby duplex at 1708 E College Ave.

The man, identified as Perez was found inside the home after he tired to hide in the attic and fell through the roof. Deputies said that, when they found him, Perez was undressed and had just showered.

The woman positively identified Perez, deputies said.

Deputies said they searched Perez’s home for the clothing he wore during the carjacking. The clothes were found concealed between a wall and the kitchen stove.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Carjacking | Arrests | Tampabay News

#HillsboroughSheriff #Crime #Carjacking #Arrests #TampabayNews