Orlando Police are looking for three black males who robbed and opened fire on a Mears cab driver in the vicinity of OBT and Gore Street on Wednesday morning. The men fled the scene and remain at large. Police found multiple marijuana plants being cultivated in a backyard and a cache of fake guns while searching for the suspects and arrested a 28-year-old convicted felon, charging him with cultivating cannabis and possession of a firearm.
According to OPD:
On Wednesday, at approximately 11:40 AM, a Mears cab driver picked up three black male suspects in the area of O.B.T. and Gore Street. One of the suspects directed the driver to the rear of the Royal Summit Apartments. At this time, the suspect brandished a handgun and punched the cab driver in the face. The suspect then fired a round at the driver. At this point, the victim (Driver) was able to disarm the suspect and return fire. The suspects were not located after an extensive search with K-9 and Orange County Chase.
During the search for the Mears suspects, OCSO Chase Unit located multiple marijuana plants in the backyard of the residence at 2804 Rio Lane. A number of fake guns were also discovered at the location.
OPD DED Unit responded to the Rio Lane location and arrested John A. Johnson, 28 years, charging him with cultivating cannabis and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Anyone with information on the three suspects is asked to call the Orlando Police Department or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1000.
