A man who attempted to commit an armed robbery on International Drive early on Thursday morning, then barricaded himself in a hotel room has been arrested.
17-year-old Debonaire Brooks has been taken into custody, charged with armed robbery with a firearm, Orange County deputies say.
Brooks is believed to have attempted an armed robbery of a couple in the 7200 block of International Drive around 2:00 a.m.
Investigators learned that Brooks approached the man who was riding as a passenger and stuck a gun in the car. The man grabbed Brooks’ gun and shot at him as he fled into a hotel room at the Econolodge at 7200 International Drive.
Deputies who arrived at the location made several attempts to get Brooks out and the SWAT team made a physical approach to the room.
Seven individuals, mostly juveniles from Polk County and at least one adult, emerged from the room investigators said.
Guests in nearby rooms were evacuated and allowed back into them only after the individuals came out, deputies also said.
Brooks, also one of those in the room, was arrested and charged with armed robbery with a firearm.
