Elderly Man Beaten and Robbed in Fort Lauderdale Apartment; Suspect Arrested
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – A 75-year-old man in Fort Lauderdale was brutally attacked and robbed in his apartment by an intruder, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the incident occurred Friday night at the victim’s residence on the 2900 block of Banyan Street.
Neighbor Charlie Diaz recounted the events, identifying the victim, Norm, as a resident on the first floor. “He was attacked last night,” Diaz told 7News. “The intruder beat him up, robbed him, stole his car, and left him to die.”
Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Joseph Soini. Authorities revealed that the suspect gained access to the building while the victim was taking out the trash. Diaz added that Soini attempted to break into multiple apartments before entering Norm’s unit.
“He was pulling on people’s doors,” said Diaz. “Eventually, he got into Norm’s apartment, though we’re not sure how. He was waiting for him inside and attacked him as he entered.”
Investigators reported that Soini attacked the elderly man with a trophy and attempted to strangle him. The suspect then fled with the victim’s car, bicycle, and nearly $4,000 in cash.
The stolen vehicle was later located near 330 North Federal Highway. Authorities, with the assistance of helicopters, apprehended Soini on Saturday morning. He now faces multiple charges, including grand theft auto and possession of cocaine.
Despite the arrest, Diaz expressed concerns about building security, noting, “It’s not the first time someone has broken into this building. We definitely need more security.”
Norm was hospitalized following the attack but has since been released and is recovering at home.
Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
