Crime & Safety

Two Sarasota Men 'Violently Robbed' After Posting Ad on Craigslist

An incident earlier this week in Winter Haven involving an ATV for sale resulted in one arrest on Friday. Police are still searching for a second suspect.

Two Sarasota men were "violently robbed" earlier this week after traveling to Winter Haven to show an ATV they had for sale on Craigslist to a pair of men posing as potential buyers.

According to a Winter Haven Police Department report, on Tuesday, April 23 at approximately 6:40 p.m., 22-year-old Jamar Octavious Lynch of 1129 Ave. D in Haines City and 22-year-old Javarius Antwane Samuel of 409 5th St. N in Haines City met the two victims, who had posted a 1997 Yamaha Banshee Twin ATV for sale on Craigslist.

The suspects instructed the victims, who are both from Sarasota, to meet on Palm Dr. NE in Winter Haven. When the victims arrived they met up with Javarious Samuel, who escorted them to Lake Maude Park in Winter Haven.

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According to the police report, Samuel told the victims he was waiting for his cousin to bring the money for the ATV. When suspect Jamar Lynch arrived, both Samuel and Lynch attacked one victim, punching him in the face. At the same time, the second victim jumped on the ATV in an attempt to start the vehicle. 

The report states Lynch indicated to the victims that he "was packing" implying that he had a weapon.

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Samuel then grabbed the victim, pulling him off the ATV, and then fled on the ATV. Lynch left in a maroon Saturn with a white stripe, which was later located in Haines City.

Warrants were obtained for both Lynch and Samuel for felony robbery, use of an electronic communication to facilitate a felony and felony battery. On Friday Lynch was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail for Robbery.

Winter Haven Police say that Samuel is still at large and police are asking the public to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) with any information on his whereabouts. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.


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