HOLLY HILL -- Two men who were ripped off of $12,000 during a drug deal that went bad called the Volusia County Sheriff's Office Monday night seeking justice.
Deputies investigated the case into the night, arresting one suspect
early Tuesday morning and obtaining a warrant for a second suspect," Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. "The money hasn't been recovered."
The victims said their trouble started after they made arrangements to go to one of the suspect's home on Sunset Boulevard near Holly Hill to buy 20 pounds of marijuana. But when they got there, the suspects pulled guns on the victims, took their money along with a wallet and cell phone and then drove off. The victims jumped into their vehicle and followed the suspects while calling 911 to report the robbery.
"I was just held at gunpoint trying to buy drugs.We're following the dude right now," the caller told the Sheriff's Office call-taker.
The call-taker counseled the victims not to put themselves in any more danger and urged them to stop following the suspects. "You don't need to do that. If he just held a gun to you, do not do that," the call-taker said.
"But' he's got my money," the victim replied. "I don't want him to get away with my money."
The victims eventually lost sight of the suspects, made another 911 call and waited at the Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach for responding deputies. Investigators also were called out to follow-up on the case. After getting the suspects identified and obtaining warrants, deputies raided the home on Sunset Boulevard at about 8 a.m. Tuesday morning and arrested 34-year-old Craig Anthony Williams, who lives at the house.
Williams was charged with one count of armed robbery and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach without bond. Deputies are still searching for Williams' alleged accomplice, 29-year-old Lavarus Peterkin of Daytona Beach. Peterkin, who's wanted on an open warrant charging him with armed robbery, is 6'1" and about 175 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a tattoo on his right hand.
Anyone with information regarding Peterkin's whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Resident can also text a tip by texting "TIP231 plus the message" to CRIMES. Tipsters who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Anyone who prefers to talk directly to a deputy regarding Peterkin can call the Sheriff's Office at (386) 323-0151. However, only callers to Crime Stoppers will qualify fora reward.