DAVENPORT, Fla. – An investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a suspect in connection with a robbery that occurred at the Vape Up Café on US 27 in Davenport on Monday evening.
Deputies responded to a robbery call at 43418 US 27 at approximately 6:03 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025. According to deputies, just before the call, a heavy-set white, middle-aged man approached the sales counter, brandishing a knife, and demanded money from the employee.
When the employee attempted to call 911, the robber allegedly took her phone. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the scene in a silver Toyota Corolla. Fortunately, the employee sustained only a minor superficial scratch from the knife during the incident.
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The employee was able to provide deputies with details about the suspect, including that he was wearing a beanie with an Amazon logo, a black Reebok hoodie, and khaki shorts.
The break in the case came on Wednesday, May 14th, when deputies located a silver Toyota Corolla matching the description of the getaway vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of Home Run Boulevard and US 27 in Davenport.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 53-year-old Edwin Soto of Davenport. During the stop, deputies noted that Soto had an Amazon beanie, strikingly similar to the one described by the robbery victim. A quantity of cocaine was also found in his possession.
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Further investigation led to executing a search warrant at Soto’s residence. Detectives discovered a black Reebok hoodie and khaki shorts, further corroborating the employee’s description of the robber’s attire.
Edwin Soto was subsequently arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Polk County Jail. He faces a string of serious charges, including Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Burglary with Assault, Armed Kidnapping, Tampering in a Felony Life Crime (related to taking the phone), and Possession of Cocaine.
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