In Florida, three adolescents were taken into custody after police claim they robbed a male victim at gunpoint while he was at a friend’s burial ceremony.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that all of the suspects, who are between the ages of 17 and 19, were taken into custody as of Nov. 13 and are accused of carrying out the armed robbery at the start of the month.
Around 8:00 p.m. on November 2, the heist occurred at Lakeland’s Aldine-Combee County Park. The unnamed victim and his girlfriend stayed in the car while they visited the memorial at the park.
Four individuals wearing masks and gloves are accused of shoving the victim against his car when he got back there and putting a revolver in his face while robbing him.
The victim knows 18-year-old convicted felon Anthony Wilcox, Jr., who allegedly stole a gold chain from the victim’s neck while carrying the revolver.
The victim’s cellphone, which was later discovered in the park, is allegedly stolen by 19-year-old Jakari Lowery.
On November 7, a school resource deputy arrested 17-year-old Jadarrius Hayes from Kathleen High School after he allegedly admitted to carrying a revolver to the monument and aiming it at the victim during the robbery.
After a witness identified them and informed officials that they were thought to be armed at the memorial, warrants were issued for their arrest.
On November 13, Wilcox and Lowery were taken into custody after Lakeland police reported to Polk County deputies that they had seen him at a South Combee Road house connected to Lowery.
Wilcox allegedly used an AR-15 like rifle to enter and exit the house as investigators from the Robbery Unit and Violent Gang Investigative Task Force arrived at the scene.
According to the sheriff’s office, authorities surrounded the house and tried to speak with the occupants.
A number of others left right away, but Wilcox and Lowery needed to be persuaded to do so. The AR-15 type rifle and two handguns were found in the home.
Following their arrest, Wilcox and Lowery admitted to the police that they had been at the memorial, but that they were unarmed and had not robbed the deceased.
“These suspects may be young, but they have quite the lengthy criminal histories. They committed a violent and dangerous armed robbery, and we will seek justice and hold them accountable. It’s a shame that they have gone down such a self-destructive road that will lead them to jail and prison,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated.
Wilcox was accused of resisting arrest, armed robbery, and felon in possession of a pistol and ammunition. He has a criminal past that includes stealing, carrying a hidden weapon, and juvenile gun possession. He was taken into custody in relation to a drive-by shooting in September.
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Lowery was accused of resisting arrest and possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He had three outstanding arrest warrants and a criminal history that included violence.
Hayes was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and minor in possession of a firearm. Hayes’ criminal history includes armed burglary of a vehicle.
When it was discovered that 21-year-old Brent Johnson, a known gang member and convicted felon, had a gun and marijuana on him, a fourth arrest was made at the residence. He fought arrest as well.
Additionally, he has a criminal past that includes allegations of tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, carrying a concealed firearm with gang enhancement, and firearm theft.
