SWEETWATER, FL – A daring armed robbery in Sweetwater led to a tense police chase and gunfire on Friday, culminating in federal charges for three suspects who allegedly traveled from California to commit the crime.
Authorities say the men, identified as Aaron Brown, Rainier Landry, and Eric Chase, are accused of violating the Hobbs Act by robbing a business that receives goods from out of state. The trio reportedly flew in from San Francisco to execute their plan.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects on Friday morning, wearing Michael Myers masks and gloves, as they forced an employee into a business. Armed with what appeared to be airsoft or BB guns, the suspects zip-tied employees and confined them to a bathroom while seizing keys to a business van and 170 Apple products.
As police sirens approached, the suspects attempted a hasty escape, ditching their haul and fleeing in the van. Officers confronted the men during the robbery, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which Chase was shot in the leg. Despite his injury, Chase managed to drive the van with his accomplices onboard.
The pursuit ended when the van veered off the road in Medley. Chase and Landry were hospitalized, while Brown was taken into custody. Investigators discovered masks, vests, and a victim’s phone and IDs inside the vehicle. A distinctive pair of neon boxer briefs worn by Brown linked him to the crime through surveillance video.
Officials also noted the suspects arrived in a white GMC van, believed to have housed another person who remains at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI.