A 74-year-old Key Largo man who regularly feeds stray/neighborhood cats in the area of Mile Marker 101 was struck by a younger man unknown to him early Tuesday morning.
The victim, Robert Joseph Smith, flagged down a Deputy shortly after 2 a.m. near the Circle K gas station at Mile Marker 102. He was bleeding from multiple cuts to his face. Other Deputies and paramedics arrived shortly thereafter.
Smith told Deputies that he and his girlfriend feed cats every night at various spots in Key Largo, including the instant spot near the Upper Keys Humane Society near Mile Marker 101.
Smith stated the unknown male walked up to him on the northbound side of U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 101 and identified himself as an employee of the Human Society. Smith added that he did not recognize the man as anyone from the Humane Society. The suspect told Smith it was illegal for Smith to feed the cats. Smith replied it was not against the law to feed the cats. Smith then attempted to walk away from the suspect. Smith stated the suspect then struck him on the right side of the face, causing him to fall. Smith’s face subsequently struck the ground due to the fall. Smith stated he then got in his pickup truck and drove to the Circle K.
Deputies spoke to a witness, a female in Smith’s pickup truck, who stated she didn’t see the incident, but did see the suspect. She described him as wearing pants and a yellow short sleeved shirt. Smith added the suspect was a large white male, possibly in his 30s, between 6-foot and 6-foot-3 with facial hair. Smith stated Tuesday that he could not remember everything due to being punched.
Smith was treated on the scene by paramedics. Smith refused transport to the hospital. Smith’s injuries were captured by Deputy video at the scene and further photographed on Wednesday by detectives assigned to investigate the incident. Detectives were working Humane Society officials Thursday to determine if the suspect has any or no connection to that organization.
Detectives continue to meet with an interview Smith. Smith told Detectives during their visit with him on Wednesday that he also suffered broken/chipped teeth due to the attack.
Anyone with information about this crime should contact the Sheriff's Office at 305-853-3211. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-471-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.comor via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the @CrimeStoppers305 hashtag.