Five men in Florida are now facing felony robbery charges after authorities say they confronted a man walking home from work and stole a vape pen valued at roughly $30.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, the incident occurred at about 9:36 p.m. Sunday in Winter Haven.
Detectives said the victim had just finished his shift and was heading home when a pickup truck stopped alongside him and five men got out, ordering him to turn over whatever he had in his pockets.
Police said the man told the group he was carrying only his cellphone and a vape pen.
One suspect allegedly raised his shirt to show a firearm tucked into his waistband while demanding the victim’s belongings.
Investigators said the men went through the victim’s pockets and took the vape pen. They also tried to get his cellphone, but he refused, warning them that the device could be tracked.
The group then returned to the pickup truck and left the area, police said.
Officers later found the pickup parked outside a home and observed several men who matched the descriptions of the suspects, according to authorities.
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When the men saw officers, they ran into the residence and initially refused to come out, police said. Authorities eventually detained the suspects after they exited the home.
Investigators also interviewed a 17-year-old girl who was riding in the truck during the incident. According to police, she said she had accompanied her boyfriend and his friends to several stores before they stopped near a cemetery in the area.
The teen told investigators she did not witness what happened outside the truck but heard yelling.
She later saw one of the men return to the vehicle holding a green vape pen and say he had “got the vape,” according to police.
Authorities arrested Damarius Jamel Taylor, 18, of Avon Park; Tayshawn Williams, 18, of Auburndale; Javon Prince Jackson-Roby, 19, of Avon Park; Martice Spears Jr., 19; and Deshawn Antwon Lampkin, 19.
All five men were charged with robbery with a weapon and petit theft, police said.
Taylor was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from Highlands County.
Two 17-year-old girls were also charged with resisting arrest without violence in connection with the investigation, according to police.
One allegedly provided officers with a false birth date, while the other allegedly refused to allow officers into the residence after the suspects ran inside.
