A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a woman’s purse that contained a weeks-old baby kitten. The incident occurred on a Thursday morning in Fort Myers, near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Palm Avenue. Benjamin Leroy Cummings, 34, has been charged with one count of robbery without a firearm or other weapon, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Records indicate that Cummings is a transient.
The theft took place when Cummings allegedly grabbed a bag filled with the victim’s belongings, including a tiny kitten approximately one month old. The woman was left devastated after realizing that not only had her purse been taken but her beloved pet as well.
After the robbery, the Fort Myers Police Department worked quickly to investigate. They reviewed surveillance footage from nearby cameras, which helped lead them to an abandoned vehicle where most of the stolen items were recovered. However, the kitten was nowhere to be found. The investigation took an unexpected turn when, during the search of the area, the stolen kitten emerged from underneath the vehicle. The tiny animal, seemingly unharmed, approached the officers, who were able to identify it as the same kitten taken from the victim’s purse. The woman was soon contacted, and the kitten was safely returned to her.
While police did not provide specific details on how or where Cummings was arrested, his criminal history is well-known. Cummings has an extensive record dating back to 2005, with over a dozen different booking photos associated with his various arrests. This latest incident adds another charge to his lengthy list of legal troubles.
Authorities also confirmed that Cummings remains in custody at the Lee County jail with a bond set at $10,000. His court appearance is scheduled for February 3, where he will face charges related to the robbery.
This unusual case has attracted attention due to the bizarre nature of the crime, particularly the theft of the helpless kitten. While most robberies involve the theft of money or valuables, this incident highlights the unexpected ways in which criminals can target victims. The fact that a defenseless animal was involved has led to additional sympathy and outrage from the public, many of whom were relieved to hear that the kitten was found safe.
This story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and, at times, tragic nature of crime. Although the stolen items were recovered, the emotional distress caused by the theft was evident for the victim, who now has to grapple with the aftermath of losing and then regaining her pet. As for Cummings, his future appears bleak, as he faces multiple charges in connection with his actions, including his lengthy criminal history.
This case also underscores the importance of community vigilance. The quick actions of law enforcement, along with the assistance of local surveillance footage, were instrumental in recovering the stolen items and ensuring that justice was served. Whether or not the robbery was an isolated event or part of a larger pattern remains to be seen, but authorities are likely to continue investigating the full scope of Cummings’ criminal activities.
As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see what penalties Cummings may face, particularly in light of the public interest in this unique and distressing case. His upcoming court appearance on February 3rd will likely shed more light on his actions and the consequences he may face for stealing not just a purse, but also a helpless kitten.
