Three teenagers have been apprehended in Florida after allegedly robbing a male victim at gunpoint during a memorial service for a friend who had recently passed away. This shocking incident underscores the ongoing issue of youth violence in the region.
The suspects, aged between 17 and 19 years, are reported to have committed the crime at the beginning of November. As of November 13, they were in custody, according to announcements from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The armed robbery unfolded at Aldine-Combee County Park in Lakeland shortly after 8 p.m. on November 2. The victim, whose identity is being kept confidential, attended the memorial service accompanied by his girlfriend, who remained inside their vehicle during the ceremony.
Upon returning to the car, the victim encountered a group of four individuals wearing masks and gloves. They allegedly forcibly pushed him against the vehicle and brandished a gun in his face, threatening him while they executed the robbery.
Convicted felon Anthony Wilcox, Jr., 18, reportedly known to the victim, was accused of wielding the firearm during the incident and snatching a gold chain from the victim’s neck. This brazen act added to concerns regarding public safety at community gatherings.
Jakari Lowery, 19, is alleged to have taken the victim’s cellphone, which was subsequently recovered in the park, further linking the suspects to the crime scene. Their reckless actions have drawn significant police attention.
Warrants for the teenagers’ arrests were issued following identification from a witness who indicated that the suspects were armed during the memorial service, escalating the urgency for law enforcement to take action.
On November 13, both Wilcox and Lowery were apprehended after officers from the Lakeland Police Department informed Polk County deputies that they had spotted Wilcox at an address associated with Lowery on South Combee Road.
Once detectives from the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force and Robbery Unit arrived at the residence, they observed Wilcox entering and exiting the home with an AR-15 style rifle, prompting a significant police response.
Law enforcement surrounded the home and sought to make contact with its occupants. While some individuals exited the residence quickly, the situation required several convincing strategies to persuade Wilcox and Lowery to surrender. A thorough search recovered two handguns and the AR-15 style rifle.
After their arrests, both Wilcox and Lowery claimed they had attended the memorial but denied being armed or participating in the robbery. Their statements, however, contradicted the evidence gathered by law enforcement.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating, “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.” His comments highlight the broader implications of youthful delinquency and its potential consequences.
Jakari Lowery, 19, was taken into custody while facing three warrants related to his prior misconduct when apprehended for the armed robbery. His arrest reflects a troubling trend of escalating criminal involvement among young individuals.
Wilcox is charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and resisting arrest. His criminal record includes past offenses for firearm possession as a juvenile, concealed weapon charges, and theft, indicating a concerning pattern of behavior. He was previously arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting last September.
Lowery, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and a criminal history that includes battery, faces charges for resisting arrest as well as possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. His ongoing legal troubles raise questions about his future and rehabilitation opportunities.
Hayes, aged 17, also has a criminal history involving armed burglary of a vehicle. He was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm as a minor, further compounding the seriousness of the allegations against him.
A fourth suspect was identified at the same residence; Brent Johnson, 21, a known gang member and convicted felon, was discovered in possession of a firearm and marijuana during the incident. He too resisted arrest, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gang-related violence.
Johnson’s criminal background includes serious charges for firearm theft, carrying a concealed firearm with gang enhancement, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest—showcasing his repeated offenses and unwillingness to comply with the law.
What measures is the Polk County Sheriff’s Office implementing to prevent future youth violence in the community?
**Interview with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on Recent Teen Armed Robbery Incident**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sheriff Judd. We understand that a very alarming incident involving teenagers took place during a memorial service in Lakeland. Can you provide us with some details about what happened?
**Sheriff Judd:** Absolutely. On November 2nd, during a memorial service at Aldine-Combee County Park, three young men, aged 17 to 19, allegedly robbed a victim at gunpoint. This incident was particularly distressing because it occurred in a setting meant for mourning and remembrance.
**Interviewer:** That’s shocking. What can you tell us about the suspects involved?
**Sheriff Judd:** Well, two of the suspects, Anthony Wilcox, Jr. and Jakari Lowery, are both 18 and were apprehended shortly after the incident. Wilcox is a convicted felon with a history of violence. The third suspect is still being identified, but the seriousness of this crime cannot be understated. These young men made a dangerous choice that disrupted their community.
**Interviewer:** It’s concerning to hear about youth violence in the area. What steps are being taken to address this ongoing issue?
**Sheriff Judd:** We are actively working to combat youth violence through community outreach and prevention programs. This incident highlights the urgent need for dialogue among parents, educators, and law enforcement. We have to work together to guide our youth towards better choices and highlight the consequences of their actions.
**Interviewer:** The victim’s identity was kept confidential. How are you supporting the victim and others affected by this trauma?
**Sheriff Judd:** Our priority is the well-being of the victim and anyone else who witnessed this horrific act. We are coordinating with local support services to provide counseling and resources. It’s crucial for us to help them heal from this experience.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to the community following this incident?
**Sheriff Judd:** We want our community to know that we take violent crimes very seriously, regardless of the age of the suspects. We will pursue justice and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Together, we can foster a safer environment for everyone, especially during sensitive times like memorial services.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sheriff Judd, for your insights and for the work you do to keep our community safe.
**Sheriff Judd:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going to prevent further incidents like this.