Police: Man Pushes, Punches and Grabs Woman to Get Her Purse

A Clearwater man is accused of attempting to steal his ex-girlfriend's purse, grabbing her hair and her body, pushing and punching her, Largo Police said.

According to an arrest affidavit, David Michael Eustace, 36, was sitting in the car of a Largo apartment complex Jan. 28 with his ex-girlfriend, who reportedly owed Eustace money.

When the woman tried to get out of the car, Eustace allegedly "chased after her and attempted to rip her purse off of her shoulder in an effort to get her money. (Eustace) then proceeded to batter the victim by grabbing her hair and pushing her in an effort to get the purse," police report.

The suspect's ex-girlfriend ran up the stairs. Eustace chased her and allegedly continued to batter her "by grabbing her hair, her body and pushing her. (Eustace) also punched her several times on the chest and head. (The) victim sustained minor abrasions," according to the arrest affidavit.

The report states that a resident at the complex heard the woman yelling for help and tried to separate the suspect and his ex-girlfriend. Eustace allegedly tried to punch the resident, so the resident stepped back into his apartment. Eustace reportedly followed the resident into his apartment and ignored instructions to leave, police said. 

Instead, Eustace "again attempted to punch the (apartment resident) but missed. The victim then struck the defendant with a pot causing him to leave the apartment," police said. 

Eustace was arrested on the charges of burglary with assault or battery, domestic felony battery (prior conviction) and attempted strong arm robbery. Eustace was awaiting trial in Pinellas County Jail, as of Jan. 29, on a bond of $50,000, according to online sheriff's records.