Man Grabbed Phone From Driver’s Hand After Reaching Into Car: North Port Police

NORTH PORT, FL — A man faces charges after reaching into a car parked in North Port Saturday night and grabbing a cell phone from the driver’s hand, leaving him unconscious.

Just before 10 p.m., police responded to the 1200 block of Cathedall Avenue after a 911 caller said two men had gotten into a fight in the area, according to a news release from the North Port Police Department. The caller said that one man needed CPR, while the other — later identified as 49-year-old Jason Paul Sternquist — left the area.

Responding officers found a man unconscious and not breathing. First responders with North Port Fire Department were able to find a pulse after life-saving measures and brought him to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in North Port for additional treatment.

During their investigation, detectives used video surveillance footage and witness accounts to piece together what happened. They learned that the men have known each other and “had previous run-ins,” police said.

Evidence shows that the victim was sitting in his car in front of his home when he was approached by Sternquist, investigators said.

“After words were exchanged,” he reached into the car and “forcefully removed” the driver’s cell phone from his hand, and the two men fought, NPD said.

The victim, who has a history of medical issues, collapsed, and Sternquist drove away from the area in his own car. He was identified by police and later interviewed.

Sternquist was charged with misdemeanor battery, touch or strike, and felony unarmed burglary of an occupied conveyance. Additional charges are pending, police said.

The victim is currently at Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s main Sarasota campus in the intensive care unit.