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Man escapes harm when 'hitchhiker' leads him into trap

By TIMES STAFF
Published December 28, 2006

The caper started when a man picked up a woman and gave her a ride to a parking lot at 7315 U.S. 19. Who was this woman?

The man said she was a hitchhiker.

A police report said she was soliciting prostitution.

Either way, the decision ruined his night.

When they got to the darkened parking lot around 2 a.m. Tuesday, two men were lying in wait.

The woman took his wallet, which contained only $3 or $4, according to a New Port Richey police report. One of the men forcibly searched him and threatened to kill him if he didn't drive to an ATM and withdraw more cash, the report said.

The victim, a 34-year-old New Port Richey resident, got out of his car and fled. Three suspects were arrested about seven hours later and charged with robbery.

Keith A. Beauchamp, 31, of 4292 Green Key Road, New Port Richey, was held in lieu of $10,000 bail at the Land O'Lakes jail.

Ronald A. Joseph Jr., 35, of 773 Harbour Isle Court, West Palm Beach, was held in lieu of $20,000 bail.

And Dede Sue Lonnee, 32, of 7406 Tangelo Avenue, Port Richey, was held in lieu of $5,500 bail.

She was also charged with solicitation for prostitution.

[Last modified December 28, 2006, 06:16:57]