Orlando, FL — A 61-year-old woman was hospitalized after a man snatched her wallet outside a local bakery and fled the scene on July 26.
Teresa Gerena was sitting outside her favorite Orlando bakery when the theft occurred. As the suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Raza Munir, fled the scene, Gerena and several bystanders attempted to chase him down. During the pursuit, she was knocked to the ground and sustained a concussion, scrapes, and bruises. She spent two days in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Police used surveillance video and vehicle records to identify and arrest Munir. He has been charged with petty theft. Authorities are reviewing whether additional charges may be warranted due to the extent of Gerena’s injuries.
Munir has a documented history of schizophrenia and previous arrests in Orange County, though he has no prior convictions. Reports indicate he is often non-compliant with his medication.
Gerena said she had just withdrawn $650 to pay bills before the incident. Her recovery is ongoing, and she describes the hospitalization as a “nightmare,” citing severe nausea and continued shoulder pain.
“I was throwing up, I couldn’t get up, I couldn’t eat,” Gerena said. “It was horrible.”
The investigation remains active as authorities consider the impact of Munir’s mental health on the case.
