Earlier this month, the Orlando Police Department East Patrol and TAC officers responded to an Amscot located at 4240 South Semoran Blvd. in reference to an armed robbery. Officers located an individual matching the suspect description nearby.
According to police, following a short foot pursuit, the suspect was apprehended in the 5500 block of Gatlin Ave. and identified as Rondale Hughes. Hughes was placed under arrest and transported to OPD Headquarters where he was interviewed by Violent Crimes Detectives.
During the interview, law enforcement said Hughes confessed to committing this armed robbery as well as two other armed commercial robberies that had occurred in the area; one on March 15th at Dunkin Donuts (4580 S. Semoran Blvd) and another on March 24th at Popeyes (4547 S. Semoran Blvd).
Hughes was booked into the Orange County Jail and charged with Kidnapping with Intent to Commit a Felony with a Weapon and Robbery Armed with a Firearm Wearing a Mask. OPD said charges were also forthcoming for the additional robberies.
“Great work by all involved,” OPD stated.
With local crime, guns, violence and drugs all remaining problems around Orlando and downtown under Mayor Buddy Dyer, OPD remains very busy keeping the city safe. Local police remind all residents to remember, “See Something, Say Something” by calling Crimeline or 9-1-1.
You can call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) where your information will be taken in strictest confidence. Your identity will be protected and you will never have to give your name. You will be given a confidential tip code number. Tips that lead to the felony arrest of suspects and/or the recovery of stolen property and drugs may be eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000. All tips eligible for a reward are paid to tipsters using an anonymous process. Remember, if you witness a crime in progress, you should call 911.
