IMMOKALEE, Fla. — The Collier County Sheriff's Office says a man is in jail after allegedly punching a woman in the face after trying to steal her purse in Immokalee.
Deputies say Arturo Lopez "battered a bystander" who tried to help the woman on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old man is being held on a federal immigration detainer in the Collier County jail.
The victim told deputies she was walking home on North 5th Street around 8 p.m, and recognized Lopez from the area.
According to arrest reports, he approached and demanded money. She refused and walked home.
Deputies say Lopez came up behind her and tried to steal her purse.
The victim says she held onto her purse and a struggle followed.
The report says Lopez punched her in the mouth, causing a cut to her lower lip.
When the bystander tried to help, Lopez allegedly removed his belt and began striking the man on his left arm before running away.
