After woman says no to borrowing her car, suspect takes it anyway

A Fayetteville man is in jail on robbery and battery charges after assaulting two people at a home in south Fayette County and stealing a vehicle and a computer tablet.

Michael D. Simpson, 42, was charged with robbery, battery, simple battery, theft by taking, two counts of interfering with a 911 call and probation violation, according to Fayette County Jail records.

Sheriff Barry Babb said deputies on April 26 responding to an auto theft call at a McBride Road residence were told by two victims, one of whom knew Simpson, that he arrived at the residence and wanted to borrow the victim’s vehicle.

The female victim who knew Simpson declined to let him borrow her car, at which point Simpson reportedly grabbed the keys from her hand and took her computer tablet, Babb said.

The woman’s brother tried to intervene, with Simpson pushing him and forcing him to the floor, deputies were told. The female victim then attempted to call 911, but Simpson then grabbed her and pushed her to the floor then left the house, said Babb.

A BOLO (be on the look-out) was issued that the vehicle was spotted on Jeff Davis Drive. A traffic stop resulted and Simpson was taken into custody, Babb said.