Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/146256
Sarasota News Leader July 26, 2013 Page 65 TWO MEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH AN ARMED ROBBERY The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested two men for allegedly committing an armed robbery during "a drug deal gone bad," the office has announced. took off but was stopped less than a quarter of a mile away. The suspects were arrested, and deputies recovered a stolen Taurus 9mm handgun and $900 cash, according to the report. Early Saturday morning, July 20, a man reported that he and a friend were robbed at gunpoint by two men who were supposed to sell them a significant amount of prescription drugs, according to the report. The person told Sheriff's Office personnel that the plan called for Arnold to come to his residence so he and his friend could purchase 50 Dilaudid pills for $1,020, the report says. Once inside the house, Arnold brandished a semi-automatic handgun and demanded the money, the report continues. The firearm was found to have been stolen from the Sarasota Police Department, the report notes. Both the man who called the Sheriff's Office about the incident and his friend were able to identify the suspects, the report adds. Earnest Arnold, 17, of 1850 21st St., Sarasota, was charged with two counts each of Robbery with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. "He has a lengthy criminal history and is currently being held by the Department of Juvenile Justice," a news release A short time after the Sheriff's Office received says. the call about the incident, deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description of the Robert Rutledge, 22, of 1927 33rd St., Sarasosuspects' car at Cattlemen Road and Center ta, was charged with two counts of Robbery Pointe Drive and attempted to conduct a traf- with a Firearm, Fleeing to Elude and Driving fic stop, the report adds. The vehicle initially with a Revoked License. Earnest Arnold/Contributed photo Robert Rutledge/Contributed photo