A man accused of breaking into a Sarasota home and attacking and threatening the homeowner before taking his wallet and other personal items was arrested Thursday, officials said.
Steven Lipsey, 29, of 2520 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota, has been charged with burglary with assault or battery and grand theft.
He was arrested by Sarasota police officers working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force.
The incident related to Lipsey's arrest took place about 2 a.m. Jan. 30.
Sarasota police officers responded to 855 Mecca Drive in Sarasota on a call in reference to a burglary with battery and vehicle theft.
The male victim, whose name was not released, told police officers he returned home, walked inside and was confronted by an unknown black male, a Sarasota Police Department news release said.
Lipsey was believed to have entered the victim's house through a rear sliding glass door, the release said.
The homeowner told police he was attacked, punched him in the face, and thrown to the floor then threatened.
The burglar went through the homeowner's pockets and took his wallet, car keys and casino chips, police said. He also took the victim's vehicle. The make and model was not released.
About 8 a.m. Jan. 30 police officers spotted a vehicle matching the description of the victim's vehicle parked at the dead end of the 4700 block of David Avenue in Sarasota. A wanted check on the vehicle came back stolen from Mecca Drive. Subsequent investigative evidence led to the development of probable cause to charge Lipsey.
Lipsey is currently being held on no bond at the Sarasota County Jail.
Lipsey also has charges pending in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
