Bond reduction has been denied for a man accused of using a screwdriver in an attempt to steal a woman’s purse.

Eric Dewayne Hunter, 45, from Goshen, was charged with first-degree robbery on November 19, 2012, just one day after his accused crime. Hunter appeared in court Wednesday before Judge Jeff Kelley.

Hunter’s attorney explained that Hunter’s son needed some medical procedures and the bond reduction was requested, in part, so that Hunter could work to provide for his family.

Pike County Assistant District Attorney Chris Kaminski noted that, although Hunter’s prior convictions occurred when he was younger, they were violent in nature and included rape and sodomy.

According to Troy Police, Hunter snatched open the door of a women’s restroom at a BP gas station on U.S. Highway 231 on November 18, 2012. The victim and her daughter had stopped for a break as they made their way home to Florida.

Police reported Hunter grabbed for the mother’s purse and she resisted before Hunter pulled out a screwdriver and tried to stab her.

Hunter left the scene without gaining any of the victim’s property.

Hunter’s lawyer told Kelley on Wednesday that Hunter entered the restroom not knowing the women were there. The lawyer said the lights weren’t working and there were no signs on the doors to establish which restroom was which. Hunter’s lawyer said the accused man was at the BP station to pick up something someone was supposed to leave for him in the restroom and became “rattled” when the women were in the restroom.

Kaminksi said that “something” Hunter was supposed to retrieve was crack cocaine.

Kelley denied the bond reduction request and Hunter remains in the Pike County Jail on a $50,000 bond.