Man arrested for snatching woman's purse in Coral Gables

Rodrigo Soto, 24, also accused of grabbing second woman

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a recent attempted robbery and battery in Coral Gables.

Rodrigo Pablo Soto was arrested Monday after detectives determined that he was the person seen on surveillance video entering a Navarro Pharmacy after attempting to steal a woman's purse, police said.

The attempted robbery was reported Dec. 10 in the 2300 block of Galiano Street.

According to police, Soto attempted to snatch a woman's purse, but she elbowed him and caused him to drop the bag and run off.

The victim heard another woman scream. Police said that was a second victim, who was with her two young children, and was being battered by Soto. According to an arrest report, Soto grabbed the woman's shoulders, breast and buttocks while attempting to get away.

Police said witnesses chased Soto, who went into a nearby Navarro Pharmacy before leaving in his father's pickup truck.

Soto faces charges of attempted robbery by sudden snatching and battery. He was ordered held in jail Tuesday in lieu of a $6,500 bond.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.