Crime & Safety

Chartreuse Tennis Shoes Lead to Arrest

Two teens were reportedly robbed at gunpoint while riding bikes at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton Thursday evening by a gun-toting juvenile wearing brightly colored shoes.

Three were arrested in connection with the armed robbery of two teens that occurred Thursday at a west Bradenton park. The thief made off with cash, a cell phone, and a bike according to the Bradenton Police Department.

The victims, males ages 14 and 17, were riding their bikes along the trails at GT. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., around 6:00 p.m. when they were approached by an unknown suspect wearing chartreuse kicks and carrying a handgun, according to the report. The suspect allegedly demanded they give him their property, and rode off on one of the victim’s bicycles.

Within 10 minutes of the robbery, Undercover BPD detectives located a 14-year-old male, matching the suspect’s description, playing basketball outside a home on the 4900 block of 22nd Avenue West. He had changed clothes, but was still identified by the victim and arrested on a charge of armed robbery.

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The identity of the robbery suspects was withheld because he is a minor.

Latorria D. Eldridge and Calvin Williams, 21, both of the 4900 block 22nd Avenue West, were each arrested for obstruction of the service or execution of search warrant when they tried to prevent detectives from searching  their home, a report states. 

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The victims' stolen $60.00 along with the suspect’s clothing and neon green tennis shoes were discovered inside the home. 

Deputy Chief of Police Warren Merriman praised the hard work of the officers, and stated “the arrest of this dangerous armed robbery suspect was due to the Officers’ timely response, and canvassing of the immediate area for the suspect.”   


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