News writer
A Florida man’s lucky moment took a scary turn after a routine stop for scratch-off tickets led to a violent robbery in a parking lot. The man purchased two Florida Lottery instant tickets from a convenience store in Palm Springs. One of them turned out to be a winner. While it was small enough to claim immediately, it was significant enough to attract the wrong kind of attention.
Routine scratch-off stop turns dangerous
The 58-year-old man purchased the tickets from La Bodega. After discovering that one of the tickets was a winner, he claimed the winnings at the store.
He then walked back through the rear parking lot of Laundry Time on Lake Worth Road. However, the Palm Springs Police Department states the man didn’t know someone had been watching him the entire time.
Suspect waited in the shadows
Investigators were able to obtain surveillance footage, which revealed the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Christian Nasir Nelloms, lurking behind the business before the victim even re-entered the parking lot.
The suspect was wearing a yellow hoodie and had a tall and athletic build. The suspect could then be seen allegedly ambushing the man without warning.
Police say the suspect repeatedly punched the victim, forced him to the ground, and then stole a 14K gold Cuban link chain worth $1,000 along with a matching bracelet worth $1,200. The suspect then ran from the scene, leaving behind blood evidence that police would later use in the investigation.
Officials said the victim suffered injuries to his face, neck, stomach, and legs. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Technology helps find the suspect
Investigators used images from the surveillance footage and ran them through facial-recognition databases. This helped them identify Nelloms, a resident of Riviera Beach.
A photo lineup of possible suspects was given to the victim, who confirmed it was Nelloms.
Police said Nelloms has been arrested and charged with robbery, a second-degree felony in Florida.
Authorities haven’t confirmed whether the suspect followed the victim from the store or simply saw an opportunity in the parking lot. They emphasized that the attacker appeared to be waiting for his moment, suggesting some level of premeditation.
Small lottery wins can still put you at risk
While the big jackpot wins grab the headlines, this incident shows us a lesser-known reality: even smaller lottery wins can make players targets, especially when they’re carrying cash in public spaces.
These smaller prizes require players to claim their winnings directly at a lottery retailer. That means the person has to walk in and out of the store with enough visible cash that they may attract some attention.
If the store’s parking lot has limited visibility or multiple access points, it can increase the vulnerability of the player.
Safety tips for claiming lottery winnings
If you have a smaller lottery win that you are claiming at a lottery retailer, then police and lottery officials have some tips to help keep you safe:
- Avoid announcing your win publicly, even if it’s casually inside the store.
- Put your winnings away immediately. Make sure it’s out of sight before leaving the building.
- Scan the area and parking lot before walking outside. If possible, consider taking a different route back to your vehicle.
- Bring a friend with you, as pairs are always better.
- Try claiming your ticket during busy hours for the store. This makes sure there is more foot traffic present, as well as more witnesses if anything happens.
It started as an exciting day for this Florida man, but it quickly turned into a dangerous encounter. This incident reminds us that even small wins can come with big risks, especially when someone’s watching.
Enjoy playing the Florida Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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