Local

Man accused of violent purse snatching in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Fla. — A man is accused of stealing an elderly woman's purse and dragging her on the pavement when she wouldn't give it up on Sunday.

The alleged purse robbery happened shortly before noon in the Publix parking lot at 3200 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne.

Police said the victim was in the parking lot when the man grabbed her purse. She wouldn't let go and was dragged after falling to the ground, according to investigators.

The purse thief fled in a waiting vehicle that officers were able to quickly locate. Police said the suspect, 47-year-old Michael Ludwig, and his getaway driver, 43-year-old Carolyn Stevens, were arrested and taken to the Brevard County Jail

Ludwig and Stevens are facing charges that include robbery with a weapon and battery on a person over 65.

The elderly victim was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.