Woman Arrested After Bizarre Break-In Attempt in Hobe Sound, Florida

Suspect tried to steal family's dog after crawling through window, leading to high-speed chase and arrest

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:58pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered window glass with a faint reflection of a German Shepherd dog's eye, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A shattered window and the reflection of a dog's eye capture the unsettling aftermath of a brazen home invasion and attempted pet theft.Stuart Today

A woman was arrested in Hobe Sound, Florida after breaking into a family's home, climbing through a bedroom window, and attempting to steal their 90-pound German Shepherd dog. The homeowner confronted the suspect, leading to a chase where the suspect stole a vehicle before being apprehended by police. The suspect has a long criminal history and is facing serious charges.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of home security and vigilance, as crime can happen anywhere, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods. It also raises questions about the suspect's motives and mental state, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders.

The details

According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, the suspect, identified as Roberta Walker, spent 30 minutes trying to break a window at the back of the home before finally crawling inside. The homeowner returned home and confronted Walker, who then tried to leave with the family's dog. After a brief exchange, Walker left the home and stole a nearby vehicle, leading to a large manhunt. Walker was eventually located and arrested, and police discovered she had stolen jewelry from the home as well.

  • On Tuesday evening, the Martin County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported break-in at a home in Hobe Sound, Florida.
  • The suspect, Roberta Walker, spent 30 minutes trying to break a window at the back of the home before finally crawling inside.
  • After the homeowner confronted Walker, she left the home and stole a nearby vehicle, leading to a large manhunt.
  • Walker was located and arrested in Stuart, Florida, where she was found in possession of stolen jewelry from the home.

The players

Roberta Walker

A woman with a long criminal history out of Chicago, including charges of child neglect, aggravated assault, and theft. She was recently arrested in Palm Beach County for allegedly stealing a vehicle, but the charges were later dropped.

John Budensiek

The Martin County Sheriff, who provided details about the incident and the suspect's criminal background.

Glock

The 90-pound German Shepherd dog that the suspect attempted to steal from the home.

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What they’re saying

“What the expletive are you doing in my house?”

— The homeowner

“No, what the expletive are you doing in my house?”

— The suspect, Roberta Walker

“We don't really know what her intent was. What was she going to do with a 90-pound German Shepherd dog? Actually, if she had let that dog out, it might have fixed our problem for us. But what was she going to do with the dog?”

— Sheriff John Budensiek

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Roberta Walker to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and home security, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who continue to commit crimes despite previous arrests. It also raises questions about the suspect's mental state and the potential dangers of leaving pets unattended.