DAYTONA, Fla.,None — A second suspect was arrested, accused of dragging a 78-year-old woman through a South Daytona parking lot during a violent purse snatching, police told WFTV Wednesday. Police said they believe the suspects may have also attacked a woman in a wheelchair in Port Orange.
SURVEILLANCE VIDEO: Woman Dragged During Robbery
The 78-year-old woman who was the victim in the latest case is not doing well. Police said Jean Nelson is in serious condition at Halifax Medical Center.
Investigators said they are confident they've found both of the women responsible for dragging Nelson through the parking lot.
Port Orange police escorted 25-year-old Sarah Lynn Higbee to the Volusia County Branch Jail. Investigators believe she and her friend, 29-year-old Lacey Robertson, robbed a 52-year-old woman in a wheelchair before targeting an elderly woman in South Daytona.
In surveillance video (see it), Nelson is seen being dragged across the parking lot, hanging from an SUV. Now, Higbee will be charged in connection to both cases.
"She's fully admitting to her role in this city, and as far as she committed the robbery, picked the person out, and stole her belongings," said Detective Sgt. David Meyer of the Port Orange Police Department.
Investigators believe Higbee and Robertson chose their victims because they saw them as easy targets, which is a frightful idea to residents such as Kathy Meadows.
"I think it's terrible. You can't be careful enough," Port Orange resident Kathy Meadow said.
Nelson was seriously injured during the purse snatching at the South Daytona Dollar General. She suffered a broken ankle and head injuries.
Police said Higbee and Robertson got $100 from the robbery. Investigators said, after the purse snatching, Robertson dropped Higbee off at the same Port Orange mobile home park where she was arrested late Wednesday morning.
"Did she express any remorse?" WFTV reporter Melonie Holt asked Detective Meyer.
"Not to me," Meyer replied.
Investigators said Robertson's role in the crimes may have been fueled by a drug addiction.
Previous Stories: January 18, 2011: Video Catches Woman Being Dragged By SUV January 19, 2011: Driver Involved In Violent Purse Snatching Arrested
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