Police arrest four, including a teenager, for armed robbery during MEMORIAL SERVICE | Law Enforcement Today

POLK COUNTY, FL - Over the last week, four people have been arrested, including a 17-year-old for the connection to an armed robbery that took place at a memorial service in Lakeland.

According to reports, the victim told police that he was robbed outside of his car around 8:00 p.m. on November 2nd at Aldine-Combee County Park, where he was attending a memorial for his friend. After meeting with his friends and then returning to his car, four people wearing masks and gloves allegedly shoved the victim up against the vehicle and "shoved a gun in his face."

The victim's girlfriend stayed behind in the car while he met up with his friends at the memorial service. The individual holding the gun was later identified as 18-year-old Anthony Wilcox Jr. The victim told police that Wilcox took his gold chain while another suspect, 19-year-old Jakari Lowery, stole his cell phone, which was later found elsewhere in the park.

A witness to what happened identified Wilcox, Lowery, and a 17-year-old boy as attendees of the earlier memorial. They were thought to be armed and so police obtained warrants for their arrests. On Thursday, November 7th, the 17-year-old suspect was detained by a school resource deputy at Kathleen High School, as noted by the report from the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

During an interview with robbery detectives, the boy allegedly admitted to being armed at the memorial and to pointing the weapon at the victim. He was arrested shortly after and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center without further incident.

On Wednesday, November 13th, Lakeland police informed PCSO detectives that Wilcox had been found at an address associated with Lowery along South Combee Road. Deputies surrounded the home and several people left as a result. However, Wilcox and Lowery had to be convinced to surrender.

After being taken to the Sheriff's Operations Center, Wilcox and Lowery allegedly told investigators that they were at the memorial, yet the denied possessing weapons or robbing the victim.

A fourth individual, identified as 21-year-old Brent Johnson, was also arrested. He was arrested as his home along South Combee Road. He is facing charges of possessing marijuana, resisting arrest, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Two handguns and an AR-15 style rifle were recovered from the residence. 

Wilcox is facing charges of armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest. Lowery is facing charges of resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in addition to those associated with three active warrants.

The 17-year-old is facing charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a minor. It was not immediately said whether he would be charged as an adult. Fox News reported that the 17-year-old has been identified as Jadarrius Hayes. 

In a statement, PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd said, "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."