A Central Florida suspect connected to multiple armed robberies was arrested.
The Tampa Police Department arrested 21-year-old Sebastian Scott, in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at the 29th Street Store.
The robbery took place just after 10:00am at the 29th Street Store, located at 2802 N. 29th St. Scott, wearing a mask and armed with a gun, entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. After obtaining the cash, he fled on a bicycle.
Detectives began their investigation and gathered surveillance video that captured the robbery as patrol officers saturated the area searching for the suspect.
While working an off-duty job at a nearby library, a detective observed a man matching Scott’s description. Recognizing the suspect from previous encounters, he quickly alerted additional officers over the police radio and provided a location.
Tampa Police officers, working in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, responded swiftly and apprehended Scott without incident at a nearby residence. During the arrest, they recovered the firearm used in the robbery, as well as other items associated with the crime.
Further investigation revealed that Scott was the suspect in multiple robberies and burglaries, including a previous armed robbery at the 29th Street Store that occurred on August 9th, and an armed robbery of the M&M Food and Meat store located at 5010 N. 15th St. on September 16th. Detectives executed a search warrant at a property linked to Scott and recovered additional evidence.
“The arrest of this dangerous individual clearly demonstrates the hard work and dedication our officers put into their work every day,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Thanks to the sharp eye of our detective and the swift response of our patrol units, our community is now safer with this criminal in jail.”
Scott was taken into custody and charged with three felony counts for the events of September 19th: Armed Robbery While Wearing a Mask, Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Additionally, he was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Armed Robbery while Wearing a Mask in relation to previous crimes.
He was being held at Orient Road Jail, according to local law enforcement.
