A 44-year-old homeless man was arrested after allegedly attempting to break into a vehicle with a woman inside in the parking lot of a St. Augustine Winn-Dixie, court papers state.
The incident occurred on the evening of March 19, when the man was observed walking through the lot, approaching parked cars, and pulling on door handles.
The first vehicle targeted was occupied by a woman sitting inside.
The suspect reportedly yanked on the rear passenger-side door multiple times, causing the woman’s dogs to bark.
The victim — who later said she wanted to press charges — told investigators that she feared for her safety.
Witnesses say the man then moved on to another nearby car, which was unoccupied at the time, and attempted to open its rear driver-side door.
Police were contacted, and one of the victims identified the man at the scene.
Officers also recovered a pipe containing a green leafy substance from the suspect, which was believed to be marijuana.
The suspect denied trying to enter any vehicles but admitted to walking around the parking lot.
Following the identification and evidence collection, he was charged with two counts of attempted burglary and drug possession.
