STUART, Fla. – A man accused of violently attacking a woman in the parking lot of a Stuart grocery store before stealing her vehicle claimed to have recently left a local drug and alcohol rehab facility. Identified as Carlos Manuel Lozada, 37, he reportedly told investigators that he walked out of the rehab center and then took an Uber to the Publix on Cove Road, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) revealed.
Lozada, a New York native, expressed a desire to return home and was allegedly responsible for assaulting the victim as she exited the grocery store. He proceeded to steal her belongings and drove off in her vehicle. The Chief Deputy of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, John Budensiek, characterized Lozada as an individual displaying a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
Deputies pursued Lozada into Hobe Sound on Bridge Road, where a PIT maneuver was executed to apprehend him. The ensuing collision with a tree caused significant damage to the stolen vehicle. Following the crash, Lozada was described as “extremely traumatized” and was subsequently transported to a hospital where he is expected to face multiple felony charges upon release.
In addition to detailing the violent incident, the MCSO provided insights into Lozada’s criminal history, which includes charges of burglary, fraud, and credit card theft in Florida, with a more extensive rap sheet in New York, involving drug-related offenses, DUI, robbery, possession of stolen property, and grand larceny. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Martin County residents by pursuing and prosecuting individuals like Lozada.
The swift response by law enforcement in apprehending the suspect highlights the dedication of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in upholding justice and protecting the community. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and immediate action in ensuring public safety and holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable for their actions. Efforts to address criminal behavior and safeguard against such incidents continue to be a top priority for local authorities in Stuart, Florida.