An Orlando woman faces attempted second-degree murder and other charges in connection to an alleged shoplifting incident at a Family Dollar store.
Alexandra Phillippe, 22, of Orlando, was arrested January 12 alongside Rodrick J. Robinson, 27, of Apopka, after the two were accused of stealing about $231 worth of products from a Family Dollar store in the 4400 block of 43rd Avenue. The two drove away, injuring an employee, according to arrest reports.
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Family Dollar at about 2:22 PM January 12. An employee outside had sustained visible injuries including scrapes to his nose, hands, wrists and knees.
The store’s manager told deputies he saw Phillippe and Robinson leave through the emergency exit carrying a bin full of store items. The manager grabbed the bin and told Robinson to drop it, but he didn’t. The manager followed them to a silver Chrysler 200 car, according to the report. Phillippe got in the driver’s seat, and Robinson stood on the passenger side.
Another employee stood in front of the car, which was backed into the parking space, and told Phillippe to stop. Phillippe accelerated the car forward, but did not strike the employee, who once again told Phillippe to stop.
Robinson let go of the bin, closed the car door, and Phillippe accelerated again — throwing the employee onto the hood of the car, according to the arrest report. Phillippe repeatedly swerved the car until the employee let go and was thrown from the hood; she then fled.
The employee told deputies he was in fear for his life and thought Philippe was going to keep driving with him on the hood. Deputies stopped Phillippe and Robinson on Interstate 95.
Robinson admitted to shoplifting from Family Dollar. Phillippe told deputies she was unaware Robinson intended to shoplift from the store; when asked about striking the employee with the car, Philippe said the employee intentionally jumped onto the car’s hood. The two were taken to the Indian River County Jail.
Robinson was charged with shoplifting and was released Friday after posting $5,000 bail. Phillippe faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, shoplifting, reckless driving with personal injury and leaving the scene of a crash. Second degree indicates the act was not planned. She is being held in jail without bond… Â Â TCpalm