Community Corner
UPDATE: Arrest made After Elderly Walmart Shopper Robbed at Knifepoint
A sheriff's K-9 helped capture the suspect as he hid under some clothes in a bedroom closet, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
A Bradenton man was arrested and charged Tuesday in connection with robbery of an elderly woman at knifepoint a day earlier at a Bradenton Walmart, authorities said Tuesday.
A sheriff's K-9 helped capture Jeffery Hassen, 25, who was found hiding under some clothes in the bedroom closet at his home in the 5600 block of 41st Street East around 11:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Officials say they had identified Hassen as a suspect and had warrants for his arrest. The sheriff's Violent Crimes Task Force, as well as K-9 and Patrol units, arrived at his home and were allowed inside by "occupants" who told them Hassen was asleep in the back bedroom, according to the report.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
After several attempts to get Hassen to surrender, the report states, "K-9 Rex apprehended Hassen" as he was hiding in the closet.
Hassen was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital to be treated for dog bites before he was cleared and taken to Manatee County Jail, where he was being held on $150,000 bond.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A 79-year-old woman was mugged at knifepoint Monday morning in the parking lot of a Manatee Walmart by a suspect who then fled on foot with her purse, the Sheriff's Office reports.
According to deputies, the woman was walking to her car at about 11:30 a.m. at the Walmart, located at 2911 53rd Ave. East. The suspect approached the woman as she was getting into her car. He pulled out a knife and grabbed her purse before running away.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
