LITHIA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man after an armed robbery and battery on a jogger in Lithia.
According to deputies, on Tuesday at 1:48 a.m., a man entered a 7-Eleven located at 13411 Fishhawk Blvd.
The individual approached the counter, demanding money from the cash register while claiming to have a gun. Despite the demand, the employee did not comply, and the suspect fled the scene.
Deputies say another call reported a suspect had assaulted a jogger, rendering the victim unconscious by strangulation, and then proceeded to steal the victim’s phone before fleeing the scene.
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Through investigative means, detectives identified a possible location for the suspect on Juliano Drive in Riverview. Upon arrival, deputies observed a residence with an open window and screen that had been tampered with.
Deputies made contact with residents, who agreed to a search of their home.
While conducting the search, deputies found the suspect hiding behind a washer and dryer. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Matthew Green Jr., 31, was identified as the suspect in both cases. He was arrested and charged with:
- Robbery with a Firearm (Less than $750)
- Robbery $750 or More but Less Than $20,000
- Battery by Strangulation
- Grand Theft Third Degree ($750 – $5,000)
- Violation of Parole, Probable Cause, Violation of Parole Robbery Gun or Deadly Weapon x2
- Violation of Parole, Probable Cause, Violation of Parole Felon/Delinquent with Gun/Concealed Weapon/Ammo x2
“Our community should rest easier tonight knowing that a dangerous individual, intent on terrorizing innocent lives with acts of violence, is no longer free to roam our streets,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the swift and diligent work of our dedicated detectives, this suspect’s reckless actions were brought to a halt before he could inflict further harm to anyone else.”
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