Deputies: Suspect in violent Orange County purse snatchings in custody

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies have arrested the man they said attacked three women and tried to steal their purses this week in Orange County.

Investigators told Channel 9 the public played a part in helping them track down and arrest Charles Heineman after a warrant went out for his arrest Wednesday night. He's charged with attempted robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery.

"We had tons of tips, CrimeLine tips, and people calling after they saw the news," said Detective Danielle Gaines of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said Heineman robbed a woman about 6 p.m. Monday in the Walmart parking lot on East Colonial Drive and then tried to rob another woman at 12 a.m. Tuesday outside the Regal Cinemas movie theater in Waterford Lakes.

The third incident happened at the same Walmart parking lot about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. According to deputies, Heineman pepper-sprayed that woman in the face but was not able to snatch her purse.

In each incident, the robber fled in a green SUV that had chrome rims and dark window tint, authorities said.

While Heineman didn't have anything to say to Channel 9's cameras, detectives said he told them he's sorry for what he did.

"He was very remorseful," said Gaines.

Investigators believe Heineman's getaway driver is still on the loose, but they have not identified a suspect yet.

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