FLORAL CITY, Fla. – A rapid response by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) this afternoon, May 29, 2025, led to the apprehension of a five-time convicted felon following an armed robbery at a local liquor store and a subsequent high-speed chase.
At approximately 2:30 PM, CCSO received an urgent call regarding an armed robbery in progress at the Liquor Plus store in Floral City.
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According to initial reports, a masked suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Trevor Shane Kilpatrick, entered the establishment wearing a hoodie and a face covering. He brandished a weapon, demanding money and cigarettes before fleeing on foot across US Highway 41 into a nearby wooded area.
Minutes later, K-9 Deputy Elias, who was on patrol in the vicinity, spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier in the week. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the car accelerated, leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit down E. Trails End Road. The chase concluded when the suspect lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway, at which point he once again fled into the woods on foot.
Upon catching up to the suspect, Deputy Elias encountered physical resistance, necessitating the deployment of his taser to subdue Kilpatrick.
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It was only after Kilpatrick’s arrest that deputies realized the individual involved in the stolen vehicle incident was also the suspect in the Liquor Plus armed robbery.
Evidence found in the stolen vehicle, including the pilfered money, cigarettes, and clothing matching the description of the robber, solidified the connection between the two incidents.
Sheriff David Vincent lauded the swift and coordinated efforts of his deputies.
“Thanks to the swift, coordinated actions of our deputies, we were able to quickly locate and apprehend a dangerous five-time convicted felon,” said Sheriff Vincent. “I’m incredibly proud of the determination shown by our team. Our citizens can rest easier tonight knowing this threat has been removed from our community. We are stronger together.”
Kilpatrick, who was already under investigation for a separate, unrelated burglary case, faces a litany of charges including:
- Robbery with a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Grand Theft of a Firearm
- Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Grand Theft
- Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer with Violence
- Fleeing and Eluding
- Burglary of a Dwelling
- Driving while License Suspended/Revoked
- Petit Theft
Kilpatrick is currently being held at the Citrus County Detention Center without bond.
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