Arrest Made In Brutal Ft. Lauderdale Condo Beating
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Fort Lauderdale Police say they have arrested the man responsible for a brutal beating and robbery at a condominium complex last month.
The attack was captured on surveillance video and detectives say that after the video aired on the local news they received a number of Crime Stoppers tips that led to the arrest of Jamal Pinkney, 27, CBS 4 News has learned.
Violent Crimes detectives with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department along with the FBI's Fugitive Task Force arrested Pinkney around 6 pm Monday night. Pinkney is charged with battery and strong armed robbery.
The victim -- Arthur Burns is the homeowners association president at the Villas at Lakeview condominium. He told police that he was trying to break up a disturbance in the early morning hours on November 4th. Surveillance video from the complex shows a man -- police say it's Pinkney -- unloading on Burns from behind with a blow to the head.
Burns collapsed to the ground unconscious. The video shows the attacker rifling through Burns' pockets. When Burns tried to get up the attacker punched him again and again.
Police say Pinkney kicked Burns, stole his iPhone and started to walk away.
Just as Burns was about to get up, the attacker leaped in the air and kicked him in the back of the head.
At that point, the beating was finally over.
Remarkably, Burns didn't break any bones or have any major cuts. He was just sore all over with a knot on his head.
On Monday, Burns declined to speak on camera about the arrest but told CBS 4's Carey Codd during a phone conversation that he is relieved detectives locked up the accused attacker.
"It gives me great piece of mind and it really makes me feel good that he's off to the streets," said Burns.
Burns said he could have lost his life at Pinkney's hands.
"He should get some time for what he did," Burns said. "He could have easily broke my neck. He could have easily killed me."
After the attack, Burns urged the community to come forward with information about his attacker. Detectives say that's exactly what happened. Police said they received numerous leads that cracked the case.
"I appreciate those people (who came forward)," Burns said. "They were very appalled by what happened. It was a cowardly act."
Detectives say this is the only arrest they expect to make in this case. Pinkney is expected to make a first appearance before a judge Tuesday.
