Brevard teen accused of putting grandmother in chokehold, stealing her money

Jacob Henry Appel arrested in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Fla. – An 18-year-old man was arrested in Melbourne on allegations that he put his grandmother in a chokehold, stole her cash and crashed her car.

Jacob Henry Appel was charged with battery by strangulation, elderly abuse and grand theft after Melbourne police were called Friday to a home in the 600 block of Short Hills Lane to investigate a disturbance.

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Appel remained held Tuesday on a $34,000 bond at the Brevard County Jail Complex, records show.

Local 6 News partner Florida Today, citing police, reported that Appel was spending the night at his grandparents' house when the unprovoked attack took place.  The woman, described as being more than 65 years old, suffered bruising and was bleeding on the kitchen floor after the attack, police report.

She was taken to an area hospital for treatment and was expected to recover.

Police said that the grandmother was in her kitchen when Appel grabbed her from behind and placed her in a chokehold. He then threw his unconscious grandmother to the floor, stole her 2014 Honda and debit card and left the area, police said.

He was later involved in a traffic crash, according to police.

He was arrested and taken to the Brevard County Jail Complex.


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