Florida police arrest three teenagers accused of committing an armed robbery at a memorial

Three teenagers were arrested in Florida after police say they robbed a male victim at gunpoint while he attended a memorial service for a deceased friend.

The suspects, who are between 17 and 19 years old, allegedly committed the armed robbery at the beginning of the month and were all arrested on Nov. 13, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

The robbery happened on Nov. 2 around 8 p.m. at Aldine-Combee County Park in Lakeland. The victim, whose identity was not known, went to the monument in the park with his girlfriend, who remained in the car.

When the victim returned to his car, four people wearing masks and gloves allegedly pushed him against his car and stuck a gun in his face while robbing him.

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Convicted felon Anthony Wilcox, Jr., 18, whom the victim knows, allegedly held the gun and took a gold chain from the victim’s neck.

Jakari Lowery, 19, is accused of taking the victim’s cell phone, which was later found in the park.

Jadarrius Hayes, 17, who was taken into custody by a school resource officer at Kathleen High School on Nov. 7, allegedly admitted to being armed at the monument and pointing a gun at the victim during the robbery.

Arrest warrants were issued after a witness identified them and told authorities they were believed to be armed at the monument.

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Wilcox and Lowery were arrested Nov. 13 after Lakeland police told Polk County deputies they saw him at an address associated with Lowery on South Combee Road.

When detectives from the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force and Robbery Unit arrived at the home, they reportedly saw Wilcox enter and exit 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. Several people quickly left, but Wilcox and Lowery had to be convinced to come out. Two handguns and the AR-15 style rifle were recovered from the home.

After being arrested, both Wilcox and Lowery told authorities that they had attended the memorial, but that they were not armed and that they had not robbed the victim.

‘These suspects may be young, but they have quite a long criminal history. They committed a crime violent and dangerous armed robbery, and we will seek justice and hold them accountable. It is a shame that they have embarked on such a self-destructive path that will lead them to jail and prison,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

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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 last September in connection with a drive-by shooting.

Lowery, who had three active warrants out for his arrest and has a criminal history including battery, was charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Hayes, whose criminal history includes armed burglary of a vehicle, was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and minor in possession of a firearm.

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A fourth arrest was made at the home after known gang member and convicted felon Brent Johnson, 21, was found to have a firearm and marijuana. He also resisted arrest.

He also has a criminal history, including charges of firearm theft, carrying a concealed firearm with a gang enhancement, tampering with evidence and resisting arrest.