71-Year-Old Man Robbed And Beaten, Suspect Still Loose

Tuesday, March 6th 2007, 11:04 am

By: News On 6

Police are looking for the men who beat and robbed a 71 year old man in his own garage. The victim was followed home and had no idea he was moments away from terrible violence. News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports the victim did some things, that looking back on it, he wishes he would've done differently. He decided to talk to The News On 6 because he hopes his story will help others avoid the same fate.

Joaquin drove home from a nearby gas station not knowing he was being followed by men whoâ€™d watched him pull out cash to buy three dollars worth of gas.

â€œI took rubber band, counted out three dollars for gas and put it back in my pocket," the robbery victim said.

He pulled into his garage, got out of the car and that's when the men ran up to him.

"He started forcing me, give me the money, we want the dollars, give me the money and I said I don't have any and he was hitting and I just covered myself," said Joaquin.

A 71 year old man with osteoarthritis was no match for a thug in his 20's. Joaquin yelled for help as the man snatched his wallet out of his pocket.

"I opened the door and seen him on the ground and the guy was just punching him and punching him," Joaquinâ€™s daughter Rachel said.

Joaquin is glad to be alive, but, disheartened that the $2,200, he worked so hard to earn as a waiter and is needed to pay bills, is gone.

"To save all that money, I don't make that much money, it'll probably take me three years to get that, cause I work part-time," he said.

The suspect was dark skinned, medium height, medium build, wearing a royal blue t-shirt with a white doo-rag and ball cap. He left in champagne Ford Escort. If anyone knows who did this, they should call CrimeStoppers at 596-COPS.

Many home robbery victims have no idea they're being followed home, so it's always a good idea to check your rearview mirror frequently. Also, most people pull into their garage, get out, then push the button to let down the door, but you should pull in, put the door down, then get out and go inside.

To avoid being a victim police suggest you take these precautions.

Donâ€™t show cash

Check to see if youâ€™re being followed

Donâ€™t carry your Social Security card

Close the garage door then get out of the car