Deputies Seek Couple Who Robbed 93-Year-Old

SPRING HILL - Authorities are hunting for the man and woman who robbed a 93-year-old man in his home Thursday night.

The victim was attacked when he answered the doorbell around 9:30 p.m. in his home in the 1100 block of Lodge Circle in Spring Hill.

The robbers knocked the man to the ground as they pushed their way inside, which caused a cut to the victim's head. One robber held a gun to the victim's head while the other riffled through his belongings.

The robbers made their escape in the victim's gray 2007 Toyota Corolla bearing Florida tag A910YB. They are only described as a young white man and woman.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Loydgren at 352-754-6830. For anonymous tips worth up to $1,000, call 1-866-990-TIPS (8477).

Brooksville Man Charged

With Aggravated Battery

BROOKSVILLE A woman was beaten with a baseball bat by her roommate when she refused his sexual advances, deputies say.

The suspect, Charles Erkens, 63, was at 7447 Dinsmore St. on Wednesday night to pick up some belongings when he began to proposition his roommate, a report shows.

When she turned him down, Erkens grew enraged and punched the victim, then whacked her across the back with a baseball bat while she was on the floor, a report states.

The victim was taken to a hospital for her facial injuries. Erkens, who is on felony probation for beating his last roommate, was charged with aggravated battery.

FHP To Step Up

Holiday Patrols

TALLAHASSEE The Florida Highway Patrol announced a three-prong approach Friday to monitoring traffic this holiday weekend.

During 96 hours, starting Friday, May 23, FHP will enlist all of its uniformed officers to patrol the interstates and major state roads. This includes administrative officials, auxiliary volunteers and reserve troopers.

The idea is to not only deter traffic violators but also lend assistance to stranded motorists.

"We'll be using all available resources to make Florida roadways safer ..., " FHP Director Col. John T. Czernis said in a prepared statement.

Two of FHP's operations began Monday, May 19: All-American Buckle Up Week, which runs until midnight on Memorial Day and the Click It or Ticket program, which runs until June 1. Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, runs exclusively over the four-day weekend.

For roadside assistance or to report drunk or aggressive drivers, dial *FHP (347). For emergency services, call 911.