A trip to the butcher shop took a surreal turn on Tuesday when a suspect allegedly robbed a local business wearing nothing but a face mask.
According to the Lake City Police Department, 24-year-old Kobe Watkins entered BJ’s Meat Market completely naked and proceeded to hold up the store.
While the attire—or lack thereof—was unusual, the threat was serious; police noted that Watkins appeared to be concealing an object believed to be a weapon during the encounter. He reportedly fled the scene with an estimated $1,000 in cash.
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The incident triggered an immediate response from local law enforcement. Officers arrived on the scene quickly, setting up a perimeter around the business.
Working in tandem with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were able to track the suspect’s movements by following a trail of discarded items, clothing, and other evidence left along his escape route.
Police confirmed that Watkins was located and apprehended shortly after the robbery. Before being booked, he was taken for a medical evaluation.
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“Incidents like this are unsettling, but our officers responded quickly, secured the scene, and worked with our partners to identify and arrest the suspect,” said Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler. “We appreciate the swift assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the cooperation from the business employees that helped bring this to a safe resolution.”
Authorities confirmed that no employees or bystanders were injured during the robbery.
Watkins is now being held at the Columbia County Detention Center. He faces a laundry list of charges including armed robbery, grand theft, criminal mischief, and exposure of sexual organs.
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