.jpg)
Coutesy photo. The Volusia Sheriff's Office is looking for Edgewater resident Ryan James Carey, suspcted of robbing a 17-year-old boy in New Smyrna Beach.
EDGEWATER -- The Volusia Sheriff's Office has put out a publc plea to help duputies find Edgewater resident Ryan James Carey who was released from prison last month after serving time for burglary and grand theft.
And it didn't take long for him to get into trouble again, Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said.
Nine days after his release, Sheriff's investigators say Carey took part in the beating and robbery of a 17-year-old boy. Investigators say Carey is now on the run, and they're looking for the public's help in locating him.
Anyone with information regarding Carey's whereabouts can report it anonymously and qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Once caught, Carey will face a felony charge of robbery with a firearm.
While walking in downtown New Smyrna Beach on March 28, the teenage victim said he ran into Carey and an alleged accomplice. The boy said he accepted their invitation to go to a party and got into the group's car.
"The group then drove to a wooded area off of Sugar Mill Drive and then got out to walk the rest of the way into the woods," Davidson said. "But instead of going to a party, the suspects turned on the victim, beating him up, stealing money from him and taking his shoes. The victim ran away after the attack, but turned back long enough to see Carey's accomplice holding a gun by his side. The attack left the victim's face and abdomen red, but he didn't require medical attention."
Deputies captured the accomplice in Edgewater on April 1. Two days later, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Carey. Signed by Circuit Court Judge Randell Rowe, the warrant calls for Carey to be taken into custody and held without bond.
Investigators continue to search for Carey, but believe he's aware of the warrant and is actively eluding officers.
Carey is 6 feet 1 and weighs about 190 pounds. He has brown hair, blue eyes, a medium complexion and a tattoo on his right shoulder.
His last known address was on Arbor Lane in Edgewater.
Anyone with information regarding Carey'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 Carey can call Sheriff's investigator Beth Fortin at (386) 423-3301. However, only callers to Crime Stoppers will qualify for a reward.