Being arrested by the police is a terrible experience that nobody wants to go through. The police arrested this 94-year-old woman a few days before her birthday, and she was absolutely horrified.
A few days before her 94th birthday, Juanita Fitzgerald was arrested at the Florida senior living facility. The officers handcuffed her and carried her from the senior living facility where she resided. All of her belongings were left behind.
Why would an elderly woman be put under arrest?
The police claimed that she was $161 behind on her rent payment. As the police report states, Miss Fitzgerald told the officers, “Unless you carry me out of here, I’m not going anywhere. ” The woman reportedly ‘intentionally slid out of her chair and onto the floor’ while officers were trying to escort her from the senior home lobby.
The reports also revealed that at one point, the woman grabbed and took the glasses right off the deputy’s face.
Juanita has lived in the senior facility since 2011. With 46 residents, it is part of National Church Residences, a religious housing nonprofit based out of Ohio.
After the police apprehended her, all of her belongings were confiscated. Her top worry now is whether or not the facility will still let her enter after what happened. She stated, “I don’t have anybody. My family is in Tennessee and I told them not to tell my son anything that’s going on.”
The woman said that she attempted to pay her rent, but the facility refused. After news of her arrest circulated, many people came together to help her. Fortunately, someone posted her $500 bail and she was able to leave jail.
Thankfully, she was able to celebrate her birthday. The Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition took care of her from there. After posting bail, she was placed in a motel and told she could leave. The organization only wanted to ensure Juanita didn’t end up homeless after being released from jail.
B.E. Thompson, the organization’s board member stated that they are already working with her to accommodate her as quickly as possible. Juanita continued to refuse help from state officials and social service agencies despite their efforts.
Karen Twinem, spokesperson and owner of the National Church Residences, told WKMG that Miss Fitzgerald said she wouldn’t pay rent because she believed she was close to death. The woman said that she tried to give away half of her properties, but the facility refused.
A kind-hearted Floridian is now helping her, and a GoFundMe page has been set up for those who wish to contribute towards her housing expenses.
“Lord, the living I’ve done since then,” Fitzgerald stated.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Juanita was born in Kentucky and had a second child while living in Tennessee. both children are from her first marriage when she eloped at only 17 years old. Her second husband whom she divorced in 1970.
