Florida man who robs 3 stores at gunpoint, crashes into power pole during chase
By: -----
Ocala, FL - A Florida man was arrested on Wednesday after he demanded money and held cashiers in three different stores at gunpoint, leading law enforcement on a chase, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday around 9 a.m., the man, Clinton Deon Scarlett, entered a Family Dollar store in Marion Oaks, where he pointed a firearm at a store clerk and manager while demanding money, MCSO said.
After Scarlett left the store, he entered a Shoe Station on SW 24th Avenue around 7:15 p.m. He held one of the store’s cashiers at gunpoint, demanding money, the sheriff’s office said.
Scarlett then entered a Murphy Oil gas station on SW Highway 200 around 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday. The sheriff’s office said he once again held a cashier at gunpoint while demanding money.
During the incident, a witness provided law enforcement with a description of the car Scarlett used to flee the scene.
MCSO said detectives used investigative tools and witness information to identify Scarlett in connection with all three robberies.
MCSO major crimes detectives and the Ocala Police Department said they located Scarlett driving westbound on NW 8th street.
Deputies and officers attempted a traffic stop, but Scarlett fled, according to dashcam video of the incident.
During the pursuit, Scarlett hit a power pole at the intersection of NW 9th Avenue and NW 6th street, MCSO said.
Body camera footage shows deputies and officers with guns drawn, telling Scarlett to exit his car with his hands up.
After law enforcement arrested Scarlett, a subsequent search revealed he was in possession of cocaine and K2, a synthetic cannabinoid, MCSO said.
Scarlett, 55, was charged with three counts of robbery with a firearm, four counts of possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, aggravated fleeing with property damage, possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and driving with a suspended or revoked license, according to MCSO.
Scarlett was transported to Marion County Jail, where the sheriff’s office said he is currently being held without bond.