On January 15, three men allegedly drew guns and shot into and around a car in Alachua, attempting to kill the people inside. Five people were injured, including two toddlers.
On Wednesday, Alachua Police arrested Jeffrey Robinson Jr, a third suspected shooter in the investigation.
APD Chief Chad Scott announced at a press conference Wednesday that Robinson, 23, was taken into custody without incident at around 12:45 p.m. Members of the special investigation unit arrested him on Northwest 135th Terrace and Northwest 154th Avenue in Alachua.
APD Sgt. Jesse Sandusky said they had information early in the investigation that Robinson may have been involved but were unable to make an arrest until Wednesday. Robinson didn’t know APD was looking for him, Sandusky said.
When he was arrested, Robinson spontaneously said, “Oh yeah, I have weed in my pocket,” according to a report.
Brothers Kenzel Edwards, 22, and McKenzly Edwards, 24, have already been arrested and charged with six counts of attempted murder.
“This does not bring an end to the investigation or the effort by the Alachua Police Department to rid this community of this senseless violence,” Scott said.
The three men reportedly associate themselves with a self-proclaimed gang. Sandusky said groups have existed for a while, but APD has seen more criminal activity and violence in the past year.
Activity has mostly been seen in the northwest part of Alachua, and patrol has increased in those areas, Sandusky said. APD is not releasing the names of any gangs.
“This type of behavior has no place in our community, and we will not stop until they are dismantled to the core,” Scott said.
According to Alachua County Jail records, Robinson is being held in lieu of $1,802,000 bail.
Follow Jessica Curbelo on Twitter @jesscurbelo and contact her at jcurbelo@alligator.org.
