Central Florida suspect arrested in connection with multiple armed robberies

A Central Florida suspect involved in multiple armed robberies has been arrested.

Tampa police arrested 21-year-old Sebastian Scott in connection with an armed robbery at the 29th Street Store.

The robbery occurred shortly after 10 a.m. at the 29th Street Store at 2802 N 29th St. Scott, wearing a mask and armed with a gun, entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. After receiving the cash, he fled on his bicycle.

Investigators began their investigation, collecting surveillance video that captured the robbery as patrol officers searched the area looking for the suspect.

While doing an off-duty job at a nearby library, a detective observed a man matching Scott's description. Since he knew the suspect from previous encounters, he quickly alerted other officers via the police radio and announced a location.

Tampa police officers, working with the U.S. Marshals Task Force, responded quickly and arrested Scott at a nearby residence without incident. During the arrest, they seized the firearm used in the robbery as well as other items related to the crime.

Further investigation revealed that Scott was the suspect in several robberies and burglaries, including a previous armed robbery at the 29th Street Store on August 9 and an armed robbery at the M&M Food and Meat store at 5010 N. 15th St. on 16. September. Investigators executed a search warrant at a property associated with Scott and recovered additional evidence.

“The arrest of this dangerous individual clearly demonstrates the hard work and dedication our officers put into their jobs every day,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Thanks to the keen eye of our detective and the quick response of our patrol units, our community is safer now that this criminal is in prison.”

Scott was taken into custody and charged with three counts stemming from the events of September 19: armed robbery while wearing a mask, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and felon in possession of a firearm.

Additionally, he was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, grand theft of a firearm, armed burglary of a conveyance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and armed robbery while wearing a mask in connection with previous crimes.

He was being held at the Orient Road Jail, according to local law enforcement.