Five Florida Men Charged with Robbery
Five men from Florida are facing felony robbery charges after allegedly detaining a man returning from work and stealing a vape pen valued at around $30.
The Winter Haven Police Department reported that the robbery took place Sunday night at about 9:36 p.m.
According to investigators, the victim was walking home when a pickup truck approached, and five men jumped out, demanding everything he had in his pockets.
The victim explained that he only had a cell phone and a vape pen.
One of the suspects reportedly lifted his shirt, showing a gun in his waistband and insisting the victim hand over his belongings.
The group searched the victim’s pockets and took the vape pen. When the victim asked for his cell phone back, one suspect refused, claiming it had a tracking device.
The suspects then got back into the truck and drove away.
Authorities spotted the pickup parked outside a residence later on, where they found several men matching the descriptions provided.
When the men saw the officers, they ran into the house and initially didn’t want to come out. Eventually, police were able to arrest them after they left the home.
Investigators also spoke with a 17-year-old girl who had been in the truck during the incident. She mentioned she was with her boyfriend and his friends, visiting several stores before stopping near a local cemetery.
According to her account, she didn’t actually see the robbery, but she did hear yelling.
She also noted that one of the men returned to the car holding a green vape pen, saying, “I got the e-cig.”
The suspects arrested included Damarius Jamel Taylor, 18, of Avon Park; Tayshaun Williams, 18, of Auburndale; Javon Prince Jackson Roby, 19, of Avon Park; Martis Spears Jr., 19; and Deshawn Antwon Lumpkin, 19.
All five men were charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and petty theft.
Taylor also had an outstanding warrant from Highlands County at the time of his arrest.
Two 17-year-old girls were charged with resisting arrest without violence during the investigation. One allegedly provided a false date of birth to police, while the other reportedly blocked officers from entering the residence.
