Three Florida teenagers have been arrested after police say they robbed a male victim at gunpoint as he attended a memorial service for a deceased friend.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that the suspects, who are between 17 and 19 years old, were accused of committing an armed robbery earlier this month and had all been arrested by Nov. 13.
The robbery occurred at Aldine-Conbee County Park in Lakeland around 8 p.m. on Nov. 2. The victim, who has not been identified, drove to a memorial in the park with his girlfriend, who remained in the car.
When the victim returned to his car, four masked and gloved men forced him into the car and robbed him while pointing guns at his face.
Police investigate severed human head washed up on popular South Florida beach
The victim was allegedly robbed at gunpoint by three teenagers after attending a memorial service at Aldine Conbie Park in Lakeland, Florida. (Google Earth)
Convicted felon Anthony Wilcox Jr., 18, an acquaintance of the victim, allegedly had a gun and took a gold chain from around the victim's neck.
Jacari Lowry, 19, is accused of taking the victim's cell phone, which was later found in the park.
Jadarious Hayes, 17, who was taken into custody by a school resource officer at Kathleen High School on Nov. 7, allegedly admitted to being armed with a monument and pointing a gun at the victim during the robbery. .
Jadarius Hayes, 17, a high school student, allegedly admitted that he was armed with a monument and pointed the gun at the victim during the robbery. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
Arrest warrants were issued after a witness identified them and told authorities they appeared to be armed at Monument.
Second Florida woman arrested on suspicion of fatal shooting on Facebook Live
Wilcox and Lowry were arrested Nov. 13 after Lakeland police told Polk County deputies they had seen Wilcox at an address associated with Lowry on South Combie Road. Ta.
When detectives from the gang investigation task force and burglary unit arrived at the residence, they said they saw Wilcox entering and exiting the home with an AR-15-style rifle.
According to the sheriff's office, authorities surrounded the home and attempted to make contact with the people inside. Some left quickly, but Wilcox and Lowery needed some persuasion to come out. Two handguns and an AR-15 style rifle were recovered from the home.
Anthony Wilcox Jr., an 18-year-old convicted felon, was allegedly seen entering and exiting a home with an AR-15-style rifle on the day of his arrest. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
After their arrest, Wilcox and Lowery told authorities they attended the memorial but were unarmed and did not rob the victim.
“These suspects may be young, but they have quite long criminal histories. They committed violent and dangerous armed robberies. We will seek justice and hold them accountable. It's unfortunate that they went down such a self-destructive path that will lead them to jail and prison,'' said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Two Florida women arrested on suspicion of murdering one of their missing boyfriends
Jakari Lowry, 19, had three warrants out for his arrest when he was taken into custody on suspicion of being involved in an armed robbery. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
Wilcox was charged with armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and resisting arrest. His criminal history includes possession of a firearm by a juvenile, carrying a concealed weapon, and theft. He was arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting last September.
Lowry, who has three warrants out for his arrest and a history of crimes including assault, was charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Hayes, who has a criminal history including vehicle burglary, was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A fourth arrest was made at the home after Brent Johnson, 21, a known gang member and convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm and marijuana. He also resisted arrest.
Brent Johnson, 21, a known gang member and convicted felon, was also arrested at his home on charges unrelated to the armed robbery. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
He also has a criminal history that includes firearm theft, carrying a concealed firearm with a gang enhancement, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest.
