Authorities apprehended all suspects in connection with an armed robbery and shooting that occurred Thursday night.
The final two suspects, Jaquan A.K. McStay and Izaiah M. Harris, are now in custody after being at large Friday. The two teenagers, considered armed and dangerous, fled the scene following the shooting.
A warrant for armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery with a firearm was issued for McStay, while a juvenile pickup order with the same charges has been issued for Harris.
The first four suspects apprehended are Ilyjah J. Madison, Cameron Nelson, Shaheen Williams, and one minor.
They face charges of armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Madison is currently awaiting medical clearance before being formally taken into custody. The victim, who was shot and injured, is expected to make a full recovery.
Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
"The suspects involved ranged from 16 to 21 and are no strangers to the Sheriff’s Office at this young age," said Sheriff Bill Prummell. "We try to help those in need get on the right track as best we can, but when it comes to crimes such as this, there are no exceptions. They continue to disobey the laws, and now it has escalated to this. Perhaps now we can get them sent away for a while."
Prummell issued a strong warning to the two remaining suspects prior to being caught.
"It would be in your best interest to turn yourselves in because we are coming and we will find you," said Prummell.
The sheriff commended his team for their efforts in the case.
"I want to commend my uniformed personnel for their quick response and organization which led to the apprehension of the four," said Prummell. "I would also like to commend my investigators, forensics unit, and analysts who worked tirelessly following leads and collected evidence, ultimately building this case. They are top notch and I couldn’t be more proud."
The search took place in Deep Creek, Charlotte County, where deputies, K-9 units, and helicopters filled Melville and Nomad Roads.
"Cop cars everywhere. There was just five or six down here, five or six down there, couple blocking the road down there, and then you cops telling you to take your kids inside," said Tash Averall, a nearby resident.
Averall was home alone and terrified, knowing two suspects were still on the loose. By Friday night, she and her neighbors felt relieved knowing the teens turned themselves in.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's District Offices offer designated safe exchange parking spots for public use. These spots are monitored by video surveillance to ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers, such as those making transactions through platforms like Facebook Marketplace.