Elderly woman robbed of lottery winnings

ORLANDO, FL – In a startling incident that unfolded early Monday morning, authorities in Orange County are actively searching for a man accused of violently robbing an elderly woman of her lottery winnings. The suspect, identified as Diego Stalin Tavares Fleury, allegedly stole $200 from an 83-year-old woman outside Buddy’s Food and Lotto on Curry Ford Road.

The incident, captured on security footage, shows the woman being confronted by a man in a red shirt as she attempted to reach her vehicle. The footage reveals the ensuing struggle, during which the store manager, donning a gray shirt, intervened in an attempt to recover the stolen money.

Witnesses describe the elderly victim as a familiar face in the community, known for her friendliness and regular visits to the store. “She’s always happy and greets everyone,” said a store employee who was present during the incident. Despite the unfortunate event, the victim reportedly advised to be more cautious in the future, remains unshaken in spirit.

The suspect, reportedly a known troublemaker in the area, is recognized by locals for loitering around the store. A regular customer expressed shock after viewing the surveillance footage, stating, “It’s terrible to see something like this happen.”

The store manager’s brave intervention, although unsuccessful in recovering the money, has been commended by customers and community members alike. “They do a good job of keeping people safe,” remarked one customer, expressing hope that others would follow the manager’s example in taking action against wrongdoing.

As the investigation continues, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information on Tavares Fleury’s whereabouts to contact them immediately. They emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the suspect is brought to justice.

The case has sparked discussions on the need for increased vigilance and community support in preventing similar incidents. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities and to look out for one another, fostering a safer environment for all.

In a city that prides itself on its tight-knit community, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that persist and the collective effort required to address them.