WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A 25-year-old Winter Haven man is counting his blessings after a harrowing attempted robbery on April 17th. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was fortunate to escape with his life after three 18-year-old males allegedly grabbed his steering wheel and put him in a chokehold while demanding money.
The incident unfolded around 3:26 PM when the victim picked up a female acquaintance at her request. Unbeknownst to him, three other men, later identified as Soverson Dionne Leguere, Joangel Vinicio Rodriguez, and Sebastian Alfonso Ledesma Colon, also entered his vehicle.
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Upon arriving at the female’s destination and dropping her off, Leguere reportedly moved from the back seat to the front. Feeling increasingly uneasy, the victim proceeded to drive the three men to their intended location. However, as they traveled on Lucerne Park Road in front of the Walmart Distribution Center, the situation took a dangerous turn.
Authorities say that Leguere allegedly grabbed the steering wheel and demanded $700 from the victim, threatening him with what was described as a shank. Simultaneously, Rodriguez reached over from the back seat and also seized the steering wheel, while Ledesma Colon allegedly put the victim in a chokehold with his arm around his neck.
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Fearing for his life, the victim reacted quickly. He reportedly slammed his foot on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to cross into the oncoming lane and crash into a swampy area off the side of the road. In the chaos, Leguere, Rodriguez, and Ledesma Colon fled the scene after allegedly threatening the victim and stating they knew where he lived.
Winter Haven Police detectives launched an investigation. Their efforts led to the apprehension of Leguere at his residence later that evening, around 9 PM on April 17th. Detectives then located and arrested Ledesma Colon on April 18th and Rodriguez on April 19th. All three suspects were subsequently booked into the Polk County Jail.
Leguere faces a charge of robbery (F2) and is currently being held on a $10,000 bond. Ledesma Colon and Rodriguez have each been charged with attempted robbery (grand theft) (F3) and are being held on a $5,000 bond each.
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