Two men were arrested in Florida after they allegedly robbed two people at gunpoint outside an apartment building and took their cellphones — a move that ultimately helped track down the suspects, according to law enforcement officials.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said 21-year-old Jamel Hernandez and 23-year-old Kareem Hernandez were arrested and charged with armed robbery with a firearm and armed burglary.
The sheriff’s office said the victims were sitting in a vehicle off Douglas Oaks Circle in Tampa just after 8 p.m. on Monday, when the alleged culprits approached and robbed them at gunpoint.
The suspects fled the scene with the victims’ phones. However, one of the victims was able to track their phone, which helped lead deputies and members of the Tampa Police Department to the location of the suspect’s vehicle.
Video of the arrest was shot from above the scene and showed police vehicles surrounding the vehicle with the suspects inside. Another clip from video taken from a police body camera shows police ordering the occupants of the vehicle out with their hands up until they were handcuffed and detained.
“These arrests are a prime example of how inter-agency teamwork can swiftly bring dangerous criminals to justice,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who threaten the safety of Hillsborough County residents are taken off the streets.”
The two suspects are now facing serious charges for their alleged crimes. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in apprehending criminals and keeping communities safe.
