STUART, Fla. – A man who allegedly violently attacked a woman in a Stuart grocery store parking lot before stealing her vehicle told investigators that he had just left a local drug and alcohol rehab facility. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the man, identified as Carlos Manuel Lozada, claimed to have walked out of the rehab and took an Uber to the Publix on Cove Road, expressing his desire to return to New York.
Lozada, 37, is accused of assaulting the victim as she exited the grocery store, then stealing her belongings and driving off in her vehicle. Authorities described him as a dangerous individual who showed no regard for the safety of others. Deputies were able to apprehend Lozada in Hobe Sound on Bridge Road after using a PIT maneuver to bring his stolen car to a halt.
Chief Deputy John Budensiek of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that the suspect’s vehicle rotated in the air and collided with a tree, causing significant damage. Following the crash, Lozada was described as “extremely traumatized” and was taken to the hospital. It is anticipated that he will face multiple felony charges once released from medical care.
Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office provided details of Lozada’s extensive criminal record, which includes arrests in Florida for burglary, fraud, and credit card theft. His rap sheet in New York is said to contain drug-related charges, DUI, robbery, possession of stolen property, grand larceny, among others.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift law enforcement action to protect the community from individuals who pose a threat. The efforts of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending the suspect highlight their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the area.
This case underscores the vulnerabilities that can arise when individuals struggling with substance abuse and criminal behavior are left unchecked. By swiftly responding to such incidents, authorities can mitigate potential harm to the public and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.