A spree of Dollar General robberies in Jacksonville, Florida, culminated in a shooting incident with police, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Tresonda Benefield, 24, Nathanial Carter, 23, Jackeri Lewis, 26, and Jakeithiyan Daniel, 24, face robbery charges for their alleged involvement in the series of crimes.
A spree of Dollar General robberies in Jacksonville, Florida, culminated in a shooting incident with police, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Tresonda Benefield, 24, Nathanial Carter, 23, Jackeri Lewis, 26, and Jakeithiyan Daniel, 24, face robbery charges for their alleged involvement in the series of crimes.
The four suspects employed the same modus operandi in each robbery, targeting Dollar General stores on Main Street, Fort Caroline Road, Yellow Bluff Road, and another location in the Brentwood neighborhood. According to police, the suspects would strike during store closing hours, with three individuals entering the store armed while the fourth waited in the getaway car.
Retired JSO Director and News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney noted that Dollar Generals were likely targeted due to their convenience and ease of escape. “They will look for somewhere easy to hit. Somewhere convenient. Somewhere close to get away. In many cases, these dollar stores fit the bill,” Hackney explained.
Following a brief chase, officers apprehended the suspects and recovered three guns believed to be used in the robberies, ski masks, over $3,500 in cash, and stolen merchandise from the getaway vehicle. A search warrant executed at two of the suspects’ homes uncovered clothing worn during previous armed robberies, latex gloves matching those used in previous crimes, and Dollar General bags.
The robberies left two employees at the Fort Caroline store shaken, with both opting not to return to work. Hackney emphasized the lasting impact of such incidents on victims, stating, “It is life-altering. It impacts the way you see things after that for a very long time… They’re scared to death.”
Fortunately, no one was injured during the robberies or the subsequent shooting incident. Dollar General’s corporate office expressed commitment to providing a safe environment for employees and customers, investing in various security measures and collaborating with law enforcement.
The investigation and arrests bring closure to the string of robberies, highlighting the importance of swift police action and community vigilance in combating crime. As the suspects face robbery charges, the community can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that those responsible for the dangerous spree are being held accountable.
