CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL - June 10, 2020 - According to an online news story published on NBC-2.com, a Port Charlotte man was attacked inside a home located in Port Charlotte, Florida. The report alleges that a man and a woman charged into the house and threatened the victim at gunpoint. The two men then tied up the victim, robbed him, and then kidnapped him, according to the new report.
Law enforcement investigators allege that the victim was asked to visit a woman's home located inside the 15000 block of Community Avenue, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. The news report states that when the victim arrived at the house, a man jumped out of a wooded area in which he was hiding and pointed an assault-style gun at the victim and pushed the victim into the home located on Community Avenue. The report states that the victim claimed to be tied up with an extension cord and a belt inside the kitchen. The victim stated in the report that he was threatened with a gun, and then he was robbed of his credit cards, and money. The victim stated that this violent crime was perpetrated while three kids were inside the house. The victim stated that the two robbers began to argue and that he used this moment of distraction to break free and escape by rushing out of the house.
Charlotte County Sheriff's Deputies located the victim who was running through the woods. According to the news report, a person in the neighborhood contacted 911 to report a domestic disturbance that was in progress at the home where the crime occurred. The suspect in the robbery denied detectives to enter the house without a court-issued search warrant. Charlotte County SWAT arrived at the house and attempted to have the two suspects exit the home and surrender to law enforcement peacefully. However, the two suspects would not vacate the house or follow any verbal orders given by Charlotte County SWAT.
Once law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant, SWAT team members made entry into the residence, and the officers found the male suspect attempting to hide from police under a mattress. The suspect was searched by law enforcement and placed in handcuffs. The rifle was discovered in the bedroom. The female suspect was charged with aggravated assault and false imprisonment. The male suspect was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of firearm ammunition, false imprisonment, and aggravated assault.
There may be additional criminal charges filed against the two individuals at a later time after law enforcement has concluded their investigation of the crime.
Florida Statute 784.021 - Aggravated Assault
According to Florida Statute 784.021 – Aggravated Assault – The crime of “aggravated assault” occurs when a perpetrator commits assault against another person with:
(a) a deadly weapon but without an intent to kill; or
(b) the intention to commit a felony.
If an individual commits aggravated assault, the individual is charged with a felony of the third degree, and if found guilty, he or she will be punished as outlines in Florida Statutes 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084.