News and Investigations

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested four suspects, ages 17-21 for committing an armed robbery on November 2, 2024 at approximately 8:00 PM in south Lakeland. 

On November 2, 2024, the victim, arrived at Aldine-Combee County Park around 8:00 PM for a memorial for a friend who passed away. The victim arrived at the park with his girlfriend, who remained in the car, when he got out to meet with his friends. Upon returning to his car, four suspects, wearing masks and gloves, shoved the victim up against his car and shoved a gun in his face. Anthony Wilcox Jr., who is known to the victim, was reportedly holding the gun, and removed the victim’s gold chain from his neck. Another suspect, Jakari Lowery, stole the victim’s cellphone, which was later recovered in the park. A witness was able to identify attendees of the memorial who they believed to be armed, including Anthony Wilcox Jr., Jakari Lowery, and Jadarrius Hayes. Deputies obtained warrants for their arrests.

On November 7, 2024, Jadarrius Hayes (17) was detained at Kathleen High School by a School Resource Deputy to be interviewed by PCSO robbery detectives. In the interview, he admitted to being armed at the memorial on November 2, and to pointing his weapon at the victim during the robbery. Hayes was arrested and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center without incident. 

On November 13, 2024, the Lakeland Police Department informed PCSO detectives they had located Wilcox at an address on South Combee Road, an address associated with Lowery. Detectives from the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force (VGITF) and Robbery Unit responded to the address, and observed Wilcox entering/exiting the residence with an AR-15 style rifle. The residence was surrounded by PCSO deputies and detectives, and they attempted to make contact with the occupants of the house. Several individuals exited the home without incident, but Wilcox and Lowery remained inside the home. Detectives were able to convince the two suspects to surrender peacefully. Both were transported to the Sheriff’s Operations Center to be interviewed, where they admitted to attending the memorial, but denied possessing weapons and robbing the victim. Brent Johnson, a known gang member, was also arrested at the scene for resisting arrest, and possession a firearm by a convicted felon. Inside the residence, detectives recovered two handguns, and the AR-15 style rifle. 

“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.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The suspects arrested in this investigation, and their criminal histories are listed below:

Anthony Wilcox Jr. (12/20/2005) – 
• Charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest.
• His criminal history includes possession of a firearm by a juvenile, carrying a concealed firearm, and theft. Wilcox was arrested in September 2023 in connection to a drive-by shooting investigation (Operation Drive-By Bye) the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced in September of this year. 

Jakari Lowery (6/17/2005) – 
• Arrested for three active warrants for (1) failure to appear as a juvenile, (2) possession of marijuana, fleeing to elude, resisting arrest and not complying with his probation as a juvenile, and (3) failure to appear as an adult in a domestic violence case. He was additionally charged with resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 
• His criminal history includes battery. 

Jadarrius Hayes (7/16/2007) – 
• Charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a minor. 
• His criminal history includes a charge of armed burglary of a vehicle. 

Brent Johnson (8/26/2003) –  
• Charged with possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.
• His criminal history includes arrests for carrying a concealed firearm with a gang enhancement, grand theft of a firearm, tampering with evidence, and resisting arrest. 

Per Florida State Statute 119, information on the arrests of juveniles charged with felonies is a public record.