Woman Allegedly Orchestrates Date To Assault And Rob Elderly Man
Authorities have apprehended a 34-year-old woman and her 33-year-old former boyfriend on charges of plotting to assault and rob an elderly man in the previous month.
Per a statement from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, on Feb. 22, just before 5 a.m., a 73-year-old man was transported to a hospital emergency room with multiple injuries. The hospital staff alerted law enforcement, as the victim informed responding deputies that he had been assaulted with a metal object multiple times and that his wallet was taken in the Plantation Pines neighborhood.
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Subsequent investigations revealed that the victim purportedly rendezvoused with Chelsea Wright at a bar to "talk about their romantic relationship." During their time together, Wright allegedly invited the man to accompany her to her residence, a proposal to which he consented, following her in his vehicle.
While en route, according to the sheriff's office, Wright halted the car to pick up her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Marks, who was waiting on the roadside. Wright allegedly stopped her vehicle, allowing Marks to disembark near a residence. Following this, the victim exited his vehicle, approached Wright's car, and according to the sheriff's office, Marks reappeared, assaulting the elderly man in the head with a metal object and continuing the attack "when he fell to the ground in the fetal position."
According to investigators, Marks is accused of robbing the victim of his wallet and escaping the scene alongside Wright, leaving the injured and bleeding victim behind. The elderly man suffered injuries to his head, torso, and arms, requiring stapling for severe lacerations on his head, with one eye swollen shut, as stated by the sheriff's office.
Following the incident, detectives initiated surveillance on Wright. During a routine traffic stop for an infraction, deputies discovered narcotics in her possession. Initially detained on drug charges and probation violations, officials took her into custody.
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In interviews with investigators, Wright allegedly provided false information, claiming to have picked up an elderly woman with Alzheimer's who attacked the victim. However, the sheriff's office uncovered text message evidence revealing that Wright and Marks had conspired together to carry out the assault and robbery.
Marks was apprehended in Holly Hill on March 1. He is charged with robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery against a victim over the age of 65.
Wright, in addition to facing drug and probation violation charges, is also accused of robbery with a weapon and aggravated battery against a victim over 65. Both suspects are currently held in the Volusia County Jail.
