4 Sarasota Teens Charged With Attempted Armed Robbery

SARASOTA, FL -- Four teenagers have been arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm following an attempted robbery Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Just after midnight, Sarasota Police officers were called to the 400 block of East Cornelius Circle after an armed robbery was reported.

The victim told officers he was riding his bicycle home when a car pulled up beside him and a person got out wearing a black ski mask and gloves, and pointed a gun at him.

Another person also got out while two other people stayed in the car.

The victim told officers the would-be robbers got back in the car and left when they realized he had nothing of value.

When officers located the car and tried to stop it using the cruiser’s overhead flashing lights, the car sped away at a high speed.

Officers eventually located the car at the dead end of the 200 block of St. Lucie Avenue, Sarasota.

Two adults and two juveniles were arrested: Orlando Deulofeu, 18, of 2732 Nancy St., Sarasota; Russell James, 18, of 1695 24th St., Sarasota; a 16-year-old; and a 14-year-old.

While searching the vehicle, officers found a Smith and Wesson replica BB pistol, a black winter hat with eye holes and mouth cut out, an air wedge and other various tools to open vehicle doors.

Officers also located items that may have been stolen during vehicle burglaries near Cornelius Circle.

If you are a victim of a recent vehicle burglary in this neighborhood, you should call Detective Megan Buck 941-954-7067.

Images via Sarasota Police

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