Man Arrested for Stealing 12-Year-Old at Naranja Fundraiser – NBC 6 South Florida

A 12-year-old Miami-Dade boy was robbed by a man while trying to raise money through his own business.

About a year ago, Noel Prince started his own business, Caveman's Snack Shack.

“It’s been amazing,” Prince said.

The 12-year-old girl raises money to fund various activities, such as football and modeling, and that's not all.

“I wanted to be independent, on my own, because I knew one day my mother wouldn't be here anymore,” Prince said.

The 12-year-old usually checks into a 7-Eleven in Naranja, rain or shine. That's where he was heading last Friday, with his mother not far behind, when suddenly a man ran up to him and snatched his bag which had $40 inside.

Miami-Dade Dade Police later identified the robber as Michael Hughes, 59. Prince said he chased Hughes, who police said took the money out of the bag, threw the bag and threw a rock at the 12-year-old.

“I don’t know, I think he just really needed the money, but that’s not how you make money,” Prince said.

The prince and his mother found Hughes at his home, a few blocks away. According to a police report, the boy's mother called 911 and officers arrested Hughes.

When detectives questioned Hughes, he placed himself at the crime scene but denied doing anything wrong, according to the report.

Despite what happened to him, Prince said he won't give up on his goals. However, he will start doing things a little differently.

“From now on, I'm putting my money bag at the bottom and I've decided that we won't have any money in the bag when we go out,” he said.

Prince was able to get his money back. And as far as Hughes is concerned, he wants him to get help.

Hughes is charged with robbery and aggravated battery.