[PHOTO CREDIT: Lake County Sheriff’s Office]
[Original Publish Date: 12/17/19]
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FRUITLAND PARK, Florida — A man who allegedly attempted to rob a local gas station wearing a grey Santa Claus sweatshirt emblazoned with the words “Merry Christmas” on Dec. 14 was arrested Wednesday.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Shawn Michael Raymond, 29, of Wildwood approached the counter at Kangaroo Express, 100 West Miller Street, Fruitland Park around 2 a.m. Dec. 14 with a fountain drink and dropped some change on the counter. When the clerk informed him he did not have enough money, Raymond reached into his pocket, leaned forward and demanded $300, telling the clerk he, “needed it badly.”
The clerk refused Raymond’s demands and he threatened to spray the clerk with pepper spray and lunged forward with a green canister in his right hand, the affidavit states. The clerk reached for the store’s panic button and Raymond grabbed his drink and ran from store. He fled in a light-colored Chevy Tahoe eastbound on County Road 466A.
Fruitland Park Police reviewed surveillance video and issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) with a description of the suspect and his vehicle. Just after 5:30 the same morning, police spoke with another clerk at Kangaroo Express who viewed the video. She positively identified Raymond as a regular customer of the store. A Fruitland Park Police officer also recognized the suspect as a local softball player named “Shawn.” A warrant was issued for Raymond’s arrest and he was picked up on the warrant Wednesday. He was charged with robbery with a weapon and is being held at the Lake County Jail on $20,000 bond.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. In addition, she has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
