Three people are in custody after investigators say a casino meeting turned into an armed robbery outside a Tampa hotel, with the suspects allegedly taking a victim’s wallet and jewelry at gunpoint. The latest arrest came Friday, putting all three people wanted in connection with the July 23 incident behind bars.
The victim had met 20-year-old Angelina Johnson at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino earlier that morning before driving to an Extended Stay America on East Sligh Avenue, according to Tampa Free Press. Investigators say Johnson approached the victim in the parking lot with Mario Dejournett and Tyrik Griffin, both 22. Dejournett and Griffin allegedly pulled out guns during the encounter.
The three suspects reportedly fled the hotel parking lot after the alleged robbery. Detectives later identified them and obtained arrest warrants, according to the report.
Third Arrest Puts All Three In Custody
Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies arrested Johnson and Dejournett last Friday, and both were transferred to Hillsborough County’s Orient Road Jail on Wednesday. Griffin was arrested by Pinellas deputies Friday and was awaiting transfer to Hillsborough County, Tampa Free Press reported.
All three face a charge of robbery with a firearm involving property valued at $750 or more but less than $20,000. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described the incident as a “coordinated, violent crime” that left the victim shaken, while authorities said the investigation remains active.
Florida Treats Robbery With A Firearm As First-Degree Felony
Under Florida law, robbery involves taking property through force, violence, assault or putting someone in fear. When a firearm is carried during the robbery, the offense is classified as a first-degree felony punishable by up to life imprisonment, although an arrest and charge are not findings of guilt.
The suspects remain legally presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the allegations in court. With Griffin’s arrest completing the initial round of warrants, investigators have not indicated whether additional charges or arrests are expected.
