Homeowner in The Villages says man forced his way into house before stealing car
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ORLANDO, Fla. - An arrest has been made by the Ocala Police Department following a morning home invasion in neighboring Sumter County.
Michael A. Prouty, 39, faces multiple charges after authorities said he forced his way into a home in The Villages before stealing a victim's purse, cell phone, and car.
Michael A. Prouty, 39, is charged with fleeing and eluding, attempted carjacking, a crash involving injuries, and resisting arrest by the Ocala Police Department. He also will be charged in Sumter County with home invasion, battery on a person over 6
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call for a home invasion on Ballesteros Drive just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Responding Deputies learned a Cadillac was stolen from a garage.
Detectives coordinated with members of the Ocala Police Department who located the vehicle about three hours later. After a brief pursuit and crash, the suspect – later identified as Prouty – fled on foot, and attempted to carjack another victim, according to police officers, but he was taken into custody.
Prouty was released from prison in February after serving five years on other robbery charges. He has a criminal record that dates back to 2000, including 13 felony convictions.
Prouty is charged with fleeing and eluding, attempted carjacking, a crash involving injuries, and resisting arrest by the Ocala Police Department. He also will be charged in Sumter County with home invasion, battery on a person over 65, and grand theft of a vehicle.