Antone Jones
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Police have closed the net on the suspects behind a violent robbery at a Third Street South CVS, taking the second alleged robber into custody just over a week after the crime.
Antone Jones, 26, was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and faces a charge of armed robbery. His arrest follows the capture of his alleged accomplice, 27-year-old Joseph Lee-Brown, who was picked up by authorities in Hillsborough County on Jan. 6 on the same charge.
Investigators say the pair targeted the pharmacy at 301 Third St. S. just before midnight on Jan. 5. According to police reports, the men entered the store wearing face masks and immediately launched an assault on the staff.
READ: Caught On Camera: St. Petersburg Pepper Spray Duo Strikes Again; Violent CVS Heist Marks 3rd Hit
While Jones reportedly went behind the counter and shoved a salesclerk, Lee-Brown is accused of spraying other employees in the face with pepper spray. The duo then fled the scene with more than $1,000 worth of merchandise.
Pepper Spray Duo Strikes Again
This incident appears to be part of a troubling pattern in the area. Authorities noted that a string of similar retail robberies has hit the region recently, including three separate incidents reported within the city limits of St. Petersburg since the start of December.
Both men remain in custody as the investigation continues.
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