18-Year-Old Partially Blinded Man During Robbery: Pasco Sheriff

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — An 18-year-old New Port Richey man has been arrested after being accused of hitting a person in the so hard face during a robbery that he caused the victim to be partially blind.

Steven Ambrosio of Pea Tree Court was charged with robbery with a weapon and aggravated assault with serious injuries Tuesday.

According to Pasco County Sheriff's deputies, Ambrosio pretended to have an iPhone for sale through the social media buy/sell site LetGo. He was contacted by a buyer from Bradenton who agreed to pay $650 for the phone and made arrangements to meet Ambrosio May 12 at 3:30 p.m. in front of Seven Springs Elementary School at 8025 Mitchell Ranch Road in New Port Richey.

When the buyer showed up, deputies said Ambrosio viciously struck him in the face near the left eye socket and stole $700 cash from the buyer.

The buyer drove himself to a trauma center where he underwent reconstructive surgery. Nevertheless, the injury caused partial blindness.

On July 22, the buyer positively identified Ambrosio from a photo pack.

Ambrosio said he did not have a LetGo account and denied committing the crimes.

He was taken to the Land O' Lakes Detention Center where bond was set at $60,000.