Police arrest man who allegedly stole a series from a legally blind man in St John Seashore – NBC 6 South Florida

A man is behind bars after police alleged he tried to steal a chain from a legally blind man in St John Beach on Saturday afternoon.

According to an arrest report, 27-year-old Edward Smallwood was allegedly seen fighting three men by officers near 10th Street and Collins Avenue. Smallwood is said to have escaped from the scene when officers arrived, but was followed and arrested a few blocks away.

The victim told police he was visually impaired and needed the help of two friends to cross the street when he felt a hard object push against his back. At that moment, the victim says his chain was torn from his neck.

According to the report, witnesses saw the victim’s friends attempt to stop the robber before the officers arrived and the robber escaped. A firearm was recovered from the scene by the police.

Surveillance cameras from a nearby building reveal the incident. The robber runs from the street corner as officers and police vehicles chase them. According to the arrest report, a police officer said the footage showed the robber following the victim and his friends.

Witnesses were able to identify Smallwood as the robber who police said denied the incident.

Smallwood faces a number of armed robberies and non-violently opposes arrest.