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Elderly Seminole man holds off would-be burglar
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Sunday, May 11, 2008 |
SEMINOLE – A would-be burglar got a surprise when she picked the home of an elderly Seminole couple on Saturday morning.
According to a report from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Walter Funk, 77, of 123rd Street North in Seminole, defended himself and held down Nicole Mason-Suares, 22, until police could arrive.
Mason-Suares of 91st Terrace in Seminole was arrested for armed burglary, aggravated battery on a person age 65 or older and possession of burglary tools.
According to deputies, Ingeborg Funk, 81, heard a knock at the door just before 9 a.m. on May 10. Her husband got up and went through his home, opened up some of the blinds and a sliding glass door leading to their back porch, but didn't see anyone. Moments later his wife heard a noise again.
As Mr. Funk returned towards the living area of the residence he saw Mason-Suares. Deputies said Funk then yelled to his wife to lock herself in the bedroom and to call 911. He then grabbed the suspect as she attempted to flee from the residence.
Deputies said that at some point, Funk was able to arm himself with a wrench that he used to strike the victim as the two began to struggle. Also during the struggle, Mason-Suares, who was wearing rubber gloves, reached into her bag and grabbed a buck knife.
The victim was able to get the knife away from the suspect, deputies said. The struggle continued out to the porch and near the pool area. When deputies arrived on scene, Funk had Mason-Suares pinned down to the ground.
Mr. Funk refused medical treatment at the scene and said he would transport himself to the hospital for minor injuries. His wife was transported by ambulance to Bardmoor Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Nicole Mason-Suares was transported by ambulance to Suncoast Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. She was being held in the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bond.
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Article published on Sunday, May 11, 2008
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