SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. — A 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with an attempted armed robbery reported earlier this month near South Miami Market, police said.
The robbery occurred on Jan. 15 just after 10:30 a.m. near the 6700 block of Southwest 61st Street
Officers with the South Miami Police Department identified the suspect in an arrest report as Bobby Lathan Turner.
They said a woman reported she had just been robbed while taking out her garbage at an apartment complex near Southwest 66th Terrace and Southwest 59th Place.
The victim told officers she was walking back to her vehicle when an unknown man, who police identified as Turner, followed her from the dumpster area and demanded her purse while pointing an unknown object concealed in his pocket, causing her to fear he was armed.
Authorities said the victim attempted to call for help, but Turner forcibly took her cellphone to prevent a 911 call before grabbing her Louis Vuitton purse and fleeing on foot.
Using tracking data from the stolen phone, officers traced its location to a nearby residence.
Police said Turner was seen fleeing the home on foot while holding a bag and ignoring commands to stop. A K-9 search and aerial support were unable to locate him at the time.
Further investigation, including surveillance video from the apartment complex, showed Turner lingering in the area and hiding inside the dumpster enclosure before following the victim into a darkened area, according to the report.
Authorities said Turner was eventually taken into custody with the help of video evidence, tracking data, prior cases and officer identification.
They said Turner turned himself in to SMPD headquarters on Tuesday, was advised of his Miranda rights, and declined to answer questions.
Jail records show he is facing one count each of attempted armed robbery while wearing a mask, resisting an officer with violence, and misuse of 911 or emergency communications. He is also expected to face a probation violation warrant.
As of Wednesday, he was being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
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