Community Corner

Two Arrested in Connection with Armed Robbery

Authorities said two men were arrested for allegedly robbing two victims at gunpoint in Sarasota.

Two men were arrested early Saturday on armed robbery charges for their involvement in a theft that allegedly took place during botched drug deal, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s office.

Ernest Arnold, 17, 1800 block of 21st Street, Sarasota was charged with two counts each of armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Robert Rutledge, 22, 1900 block of 33rd Street, Sarasota was charged with two counts of robbery with a firearm, fleeing to elude and driving with a revoked license.

SCSO received a report that a man and his friend were robbed at gunpoint by two men whom they had met in order to purchase prescription drugs.

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Deputies caught up to a car matching the description of the one driven by the suspects at Cattleman Road and Center Pointe Drive and attempted to make a traffic stop, but at first, the vehicle would not pull over, the report states. The car eventually stopped less than a quarter mile down the road, the report said.

Deputies reportedly recovered a stolen Taurus 9mm handgun and $900 cash from the vehicle. Both suspects are being held at the Sarasota County Jail. 

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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