An 18-year-old is behind bars after Miami police say he confessed to robbing a couple at gunpoint in the heart of downtown. Detectives questioned the teen, then booked him into the county jail. Investigators have not said exactly where the stickup happened or whether the victims were hurt, and the case remains very much open.
Who police say was arrested
Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Damien Jones Jr., who admitted to the robbery during an interview with detectives, according to Local 10. The outlet reports that a booking image from the Miami-Dade Corrections system was released and that Jones was processed into county custody after speaking with investigators.
Investigators' description and downtown context
So far, officials are keeping specifics close to the vest, offering no public explanation of a possible motive or step-by-step account of how the holdup unfolded. The arrest comes on the heels of other armed robberies reported in the downtown corridor. In December, police were looking for three men accused of robbing a couple at gunpoint near Southeast Third Street and Biscayne Boulevard, as reported by WSVN. Investigators say they are reviewing surveillance footage and continuing to track down tips as they work the latest case.
Legal implications
If prosecutors decide to pursue a charge of robbery while armed, Florida law treats that offense as a first-degree felony that can carry a potential life sentence, according to the state robbery statute. The relevant penalties and firearm enhancements are outlined in the Florida Statutes. Local 10 noted that a formal list of charges and bond information had not yet been released at the time of its report.
How to help
Anyone who knows anything about the robbery is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or reach out directly to the Miami Police Department. Callers can remain anonymous. WSVN reported that tipsters may be eligible for a reward if their information helps crack the case, and detectives are still asking witnesses to come forward.
