LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested four suspects in connection with an armed robbery in Lakeland.
Around 8 p.m. on Nov. 2, the male victim was at Aldine-Combee County Park for a memorial for a friend who passed away when he was approached by four people wearing masks and gloves.
He was pushed up against his car and robbed, according to deputies. Anthony Wilcox Jr., 18, allegedly shoved a gun into the victim's face and took his gold chain. Jakari Lowery, 19, allegedly stole the victim's phone, which was later found in the park, a news release said.
A witness identified attendees of the memorial who they believed to be armed, which were Wilcox Jr., Lowery and a 17-year-old boy.
Law enforcement found Wilcox and Lowery at a home on South Combee Road and were able to get them to surrender peacefully. The two told deputies they were at the memorial but denied possessing weapons and robbing the victim.
Wilcox was charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and resisting arrest. Lowery was arrested for three active warrants and additionally charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The 17-year-old was detained at Kathleen High School by a school resource deputy and admitted to pointing his gun at the victim during the robbery. He was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a minor.
The fourth suspect, 21-year-old Brent Johnson, was arrested at the house with Wilcox and Lowery for resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“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," said Sheriff Grady Judd in a statement.
