FORT LAUDERDALE — Joseph Soini, 48, has been arrested and charged after an armed home invasion that left a 75-year-old man severely beaten and robbed of his car and $4,000 in cash. Police responded to the incident Friday night on Banyan Street, finding the elderly victim with serious injuries. He was transported to Broward Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to investigators, the victim had just returned from taking out the trash when he saw Soini inside his apartment, going through his belongings. Security footage revealed Soini entering the building and later attacking the victim with a trophy, attempting to strangle him before fleeing with the victim’s car, bicycle, and cash.
At around 1:20 a.m. Saturday, officers, assisted by a Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter, located Soini in the stolen vehicle. A grappler was deployed to immobilize the vehicle, leading to his arrest. Soini faces charges of grand theft auto and possession of cocaine, and further charges may be filed as the investigation continues.