Police: Woman arrested after beating, robbing 85-year-old

ORLANDO, Fla. — An 85-year-old was badly beaten up and robbed in her own home by a woman who's now facing a slew of charges, according to Orlando police.

The incident happened at the victim's home in a neighborhood near Michigan Street and Orange Avenue.

Neighbors told WFTV's Renee Stoll the 85-year-old victim is a trusting woman who has lived in the neighborhood for decades.

"I was sitting in the living room with my boy and heard this banging on the door. It wasn't a friendly knock," the neighbor, who called 911, said.

The man didn't want to be identified but said the victim came to his home after she was attacked.

"Oh yeah, she was scared. She had bruises and blood all over her," the neighbor said.

The victim allowed Melanie Chang, 52, into her home after Chang knocked on her door and asked when her neighbor would return home, police said.

"She looked like a friendly woman, just asking for information actually about her neighbor," the man said.

Once inside, police said Chang struck and pushed the grandmother several times while demanding money. Chang allegedly stole the victim's phone and car keys.

"She said she had just been robbed and some lady took her car," the neighbor said.

Investigators said officers found Chang driving the victim's vehicle on Conley Street. She's facing a slew of charges including home invasion robbery, grand theft and battery on a person over 65.

The 52-year-old has an extensive criminal history that includes armed burglaries and thefts. She spent eight years in prison and was released a little over a year ago, according to the Department of Corrections.

"Hopefully with that and this now they can keep her locked up," the neighbor said.

Chang is being held at the Orange County Jail on no bond. Neighbors said the elderly woman was so shaken up that she's staying with relatives.

WFTV