Four local teenagers did not stay free for long on Sunday after deputies say two of them, one armed, walked into the Citgo at 79 N. Florida Avenue in Inverness and walked out with roughly $1,500 in vaping merchandise. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said the robbery took about two minutes and was captured on surveillance video. A quick canvass, K-9 tracking and a flurry of tips from residents helped deputies track down the suspects within hours, according to the agency.
How deputies tracked the suspects
Deputies used K-9 teams to follow fresh tire impressions, canvassed nearby neighborhoods and pushed out surveillance stills to generate leads, according to FOX 13. Multiple community members contacted dispatch and even flagged down deputies in person with tips that helped narrow the search area, Tampa Bay 28 reported. CCSO credited K9 Deputy Danner and K9 Cairo with helping establish a direction of travel during what turned into a five hour search.
Suspects and alleged roles
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office identified the four teens on its Facebook page. According to investigators, 19 year old Joshua Robertson and 16 year old Jamison Tanner are accused of going into the store while armed, 16 year old Aiden Combs allegedly acted as a lookout and 17 year old Alexander Vazquez is accused of serving as the getaway driver, per the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Deputies say the surveillance images shared on the sheriff’s page helped spark the tips that ultimately led to the arrests. CCSO said the investigation is still active and additional charges may be filed.
Charges and what comes next
Each teen faces felony counts that include robbery with a firearm and grand theft, authorities said, and prosecutors could add more charges as the case moves forward. “This case shows what can be accomplished when dedicated deputies and engaged community watchdogs work together,” Sheriff David Vincent said in a statement, according to FOX 13. Deputies processed the suspects locally, and the Sheriff’s Office has not yet released booking information or a court schedule.
